LOCAL police in Talisay City are monitoring the presence of five “youth gangs” who would reportedly cause trouble beyond curfew hours in the city.
Lt. Col. Randy Caballes, chief of Talisay City’s local police force, said it is monitoring the movements of these five youth gangs as part of their orders to prevent minors from gathering in the city streets just after curfew hours.
Caballes said their aim is to get their names, trace their parents so police could speak to them and find out who the members are.
He said these groups have been gathering in different parts of the city, but trouble could ensue if these groups meet.
Tanods made this discovery when they apprehended 18-year- old Renmar Cainap in Barangay Dumlog last Sunday morning, Aug. 14, 2022, after they received reports that a group of minors had gathered in the area.
When they got to the scene, they found Cainap, a resident of Barangay Lawaan 3, and recovered a knife from his possession.
Police said Cainap belongs to the Batang Maghaway Gang, whose members are mostly minors.
“We are still trying to verify the names of the leaders. Once we have them, then we invite their parents,” Caballes said in Cebuano.
Nothing wrong with youth groups but...
He clarified that they are not against groups, especially those that help the community. However, they frown upon public gatherings as these could lead to conflicts.
He said they have been strictly enforcing the curfew on minors since face-to-face classes will start on Aug. 22.
“Without the curfew, members of different groups could have altercations while they hang out late at night. That would carry over when they meet each other in school,” Caballes said in Cebuano.
He said he plans to work hand in hand with teachers to ensure the safety of students.
It won’t be the first time that police will join hands with schools. The Talisay City Police Station actively participated on the first day of Brigada Eskwela 2022.