FIFTY-TWO cases involving children in conflict with the law (CICL) were recorded in Benguet from January to March 2019, an increase of 15 cases compared to the same period last year.
Data showed a rise in theft cases recorded in Bokod from zero last year to 14 cases this year.
“It is sad to note we have 52 cases compared to the 37 last year,” provincial social welfare and development officer Juana Bannawe said.
She added there are many factors surrounding children lives such as the environment and home.
“It is always a case to case basis when we speak of CICL,” added Banawe.
La Trinidad recorded 29 cases of CICL while Bokod had 15 with Itogon, Kibungan, Mankayan, and Tublay having two cases each.
Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Kabayan, Kapangan, Sablan, and Tuba had no record of CICL for the first three months.
Theft and robbery had the highest number of cases with 37 followed by physical injury with five, three each for rape and malicious mischief, two cases of vehicular arson, and one each for homicide and drug abuse.
La Trinidad had the highest cases of theft and robbery among youth offenders with 19 followed by Bokod with 14.
Of the 52 cases, six cases filed, six amicably settled, 18 not filed and 18 with intervention.