CCTV footage from Barangay 179 in Maricaban, Pasay City shows several underage boys breaking into houses in the area. The robberies have been going on repeatedly, without any of the boys getting caught. This was all revealed in a TV Patrol report that featured a collection of clips showing underage boys robbing houses.
In one instance, a boy was spotted carrying an LPG tank. In another incident, another boy was shown stealing a bicyle. In yet another robbery, a boy was seen carrying a bag out that he had taken from a house. Then, there was a boy who stole a cellphone.
According to barangay chairman Ivan Basinillo, they have already confirmed that the boys doing the robberies are not from Barangay 179. They are allegedly boys from nearby barangays.
Basinillo said that they often contact the kids’ parents and try to recover the stolen items. But, since no case could be filed against the kids and their parents can’t seem to keep them in control, then the vicious cycle starts again.
The persistent criminal activities done by minors has caused the public to urge the review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which states, “The child in conflict with the law shall enjoy the presumption of minority. He/She shall enjoy all the rights of a child in conflict with the law until he/she is proven to be eighteen (18) years old or older.”
