TO DIVERT children in conflict with the law (CICL) from committing crimes and steer them away from illegal drugs, Talomo District organized a summer sportsfest wherein CICLs are targeted to participate.
The Inter-Barangay Sports Fest Summer League was officially launched on Sunday, April 7, at EMAR Human and Environmental College in Barangay Matina Crossing, Talomo District.
It was initiated by the Talomo Police Station Strategy Management Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Advisory Council, together with 14 barangay councils of Talomo District.
“During summertime, our CICL have nowhere to go mostly, so, we launch this sportsfest for them to have something to be busy with and do away with illegal activities like drugs and others,” Talomo PNP Advisory Council chair Maria Lita Montalban said.
Talomo Police Station Commander Major Ronald Lao said this is in response to the memo sent by Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Alexander Tagum saying all city police stations should conduct activities for CICL.
“Ang purpose namo ani is aron mag ila-ila silang tanan. Aron maiwasan ang riot ug kagubot. We wanted nga maka-establish kitag camaraderie sa tanan (The purpose of the sportsfest is for everyone to get to know each other, in order to avoid riot and other chaos in the streets. We also wanted everyone to establish a camaraderie),” Lao added.
Events entered are basketball, futsal, and volleyball which will be played in different barangays weekly. The sportsfest is eyed to be conducted annually.
“Unta pinaagi ani, matabangan nato ning mga CICL mapaduol sa mga pulis, ug ipasabot nga dili diay mi nila kontra (Through this, we can help CICL get closer to the police, and let them understand that we are not their enemy),” Lao said.
“Kung naa sila mga dili maayong binuhatan, basin pinaagi niini, pwede pa sila matarong, ug makahuman sila og eskwela ug mamahimo silang propesyonal sa umaabot na panahon (Through this, these children would be reformed, they would be able to finish their studies, and be professionals in the future),” Lao added.