THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is set to conduct a Youth Summer Camp for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs) as a form of diversion to encourage them to become productive citizens instead.
DCPO director Senior Superintendent Alexander Tagum, in an interview Monday, April 9, said the event will be held at the end of the month to be participated by the 12 police stations in Davao City. It is their way of helping the CICLs re-integrate into mainstream society.
CICLs refer to children who are "alleged as, accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense".
The community outreach project of DCPO is intended for ages 8 to 15 years old while its Basketball Liga ng Barangays is for ages 16 to 19 years old. This is to encourage the CICLs’ involvement in public and civic affairs through the lined up activities.
This three-day activity will be in coordination with the concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.
“It will be participated by City Social Works, religious organizations and DCPO's Women and Children’s Protection Desk to drive into the misguided youths’ mind a purpose-driven life,” Tagum said.
He said this activity will be carried out with an intervention program for minor offenders so that they will not return to their illegal activities.
Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 covers the different stages involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration.