Robredo eyes changes to juvenile justice law

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s juvenile justice law needs to be amended to address the problem of minors being used by syndicates to commit crimes, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said yesterday.

“We will file a draft to amend the juvenile welfare (act),” Robredo said when he met with Navotas City officials yesterday.

He noted that minors are used by criminals to steal, invade homes, and transport drugs in the neighborhood. Republic Act 9344 exempts minors in conflict with the law from criminal liability.

Navotas police chief Superintendent Bernard Tambaoan asked for more manpower, noting that there are only 189 police officers to handle the needs of more than 267,000 residents. He also asked for Special Weapons and Tactics training for his men.

Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome promised to send 15 police officers initially.