AFTER voicing out their opposition against the lowering of minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) among children in conflict with the law, non-government organizations (NGOs) in Negros Occidental will conduct a massive campaign in the communities to further educate the public about the proposed measure.

Ivory Carreon, youth program coordinator of Christian Advocates For Justice and Development In Negros, Inc. (Cajden), said they will go to barangays and schools to inform the people about House Bill 2, which seeks to amend Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act (JJWA) of 2006, as amended by Republic Act 10630, to lower the MACR from 15 years old to 9 years old.

“We would like the public to understand and be aware about the plan of the present administration to lower the age requirement to be imposed on children who are most likely influenced by adults to commit crimes and to get involve in illegal activities,” Carreon said.

They (children) are victims because of their vulnerability, she added.

The group held a five-minute noise barrage at Banago Elementary School-I on Friday to show their strong disapproval to House Bill No. 2.

The nationally-coordinate noise barrage was participated by Grade 4 to 6 students of the school, parents, and residents of Barangay Banago and Barangay 35 in Bacolod City.