Bogo eyes rehab center for juvenile offenders

Alarmed over the recent robbery incidents involving minors, city officials of Bogo agree on the construction of a rehabilitation center to house these juvenile offenders.

Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junnie” Martinez, Jr. said there is a need for the city government and the private sector to initiate programs to address these robbery incidents involving minors.

Martinez cited that minors cannot be detained because of the existing Juvenile Justice Law. However, they can put them at the rehabilitation center, he said.

The city mayor said the absence of a rehabilitation center is one of the problems in Bogo that needs immediate attention.

In his report on his 100 days in office, Martinez challenged the business sector to support the city government in realizing the construction of the center.

“Gihagit nako ang atong mga negosyante ug pribadong sektor nga motabang sila sa dakbayan aron masulbad kining maong problema,” Martinez said.

He further said that the city government is prioritizing problems related to peace and order, and in fact has created the anti-crime task force to assist the police.

“We acknowledge the lack of police force in Bogo; that’s the reason the city government created the anti-crime task force,” Martinez said.

Since its creation when he assumed office last July 1, this year, Martinez said a number of arrests were made against those involved in robbery and other crimes.

However, he maintained that they should be prepared for bigger challenges because of the rapid development Bogo is now experiencing after it became a city. — Jose P. Sollano/MEEV