by Vency D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao (6 October) -- In line with the national government's directive of releasing juvenile offenders, the provincial government here will establish a youth center where youth offenders will undergo rehabilitation.

Joyce Niwane, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) disclosed that there are 11 youth offenders here who were reported to their office. "Seven youth offenders who were released from jail since January this year are currently undergoing community based rehabilitation," Niwane said.

Niwane said that two were transferred to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth in Orayong, Bauang, La Union while two others who are on trial are in the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) while waiting for the establishment of a youth center. She informed that the youth offenders who are in the custody of the BJMP are housed separately from the inmates.

According to Niwane, the youth offenders were accused of gang rape, theft and robbery.

Republic Act 9344 mandates the immediate release of Children who are in Conflict with the Law (CICL) from detention, but requires them to undergo diversion programs like counseling, capacity building, training and socio-civic work under DSWD supervision.