ONLY four of the 17 children in conflict with the law (CICL) who escaped from the Operation Second Chance (OSC) Center in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City last January 11, 2023, remain at large.
Their parents claim they have not been home since they left the juvenile detention facility, according to Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, information officer of the Cebu City Police Office.
Macatangay said they are worried about their safety.
She said there’s a possibility that the four CICL will get involved in illegal activities. That’s why the police are doing their best to find them and return them to the OSC Center, she said.
“Syempre mga minors man ni sila number 1 unsay mahitabo nila sa gawas. We’re concerned also of their safety kay gikan na silag second chance. Basig naay mo-exploit sa ilaha nga ipadayon ang ilang dating gawi,” she said.
(They’re minors so we’re worried what will happen to them out on the streets. We’re also concerned about their safety because they came from the OSC Center. Maybe someone will exploit them and they’ll go back to their old ways.)
One of the 17 CICL had told police they escaped because they wanted to attend Sinulog activities. However, Macatangay said majority of them just missed their families.
She said the parents of the four CICL have been informed to call police immediately if the children return home. (AYB)