A Vice Chairperson of the House committee on public order and safety called on the government to also focus on the reformation of wayward youth after their rescue from gangs that promote criminal activity.
This as the Philippine National Police earlier vowed to dismantle groups that are recruiting minors for criminal activities in response to Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s earlier pronouncement that groups such as the so-called True Brown Style, whose members are mostly 18 to 20, reportedly groom children as young as 14 and 15 to commit crimes.
“I laud the PNP and DILG for their commitment to ensuring public safety, especially amid the spate of criminal activity in schools and communities due to child exploitation,” Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos said.
“These gangs exist because they fill a perceived void in the lives of our youth.”
“Besides dismantling these groups, we also have to focus on reformation efforts, on teaching the youth to channel their energy towards more positive pursuits. May posibilidad kasi na kung bubuwagin, bubuo lang ulit ng bagong grupo, dahil naghahanap ang kabataan ng koneksyon at kaibigan, kaya mainam na bigyang-lunas din ang aspektong ito.”.
Bernos highlighted the role of the community in fulfilling the basic human need for social connection, and how local governments in particular can work with other groups to help young Filipinos.
“These gangs exist because they fill a perceived void in the lives of our youth. This is where we can step in to provide the youth with a better option, with groups that foster the need for friendship without causing harm to self and others,” he said.
The lawmaker has been advocating for local government units to provide more avenues for youth to explore their interests and direct them away from negative influences.
He urged LGUs to organize sports, arts, and volunteer activities that address isolation and also provide a sense of fulfillment.
