ABSTRACT
This study analyzes juvenile delinquency in the province of Albay, focusing on Ligao, Legazpi, and Tabaco City. The objectives include assessing the status of juvenile delinquency through case numbers, types of crimes, and case statuses; analyzing contributory factors (personal, family, economic, and social); identifying intervention programs by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO); and proposing a new intervention program. A qualitative research design with thematic analysis was adopted, using semi-structured guides and open-ended questions. The purposive sampling technique selected ten participants from the PNP-WCPD and CSWDO, directly responsible for juvenile cases. Findings show that from 2019 to 2023, Legazpi had the highest number of juvenile cases (269), followed by Ligao (87) and Tabaco (65). The most common crimes included physical injury, theft, shoplifting, reckless imprudence, rape, and sexual molestation. The case statuses were cleared, amicably solved, settled, or dismissed due to no criminal liability. Contributory factors included misguided minors, mental health issues, substance use, poor academic performance, and impulsive decision-making. Family-related factors involved disconnected relationships, parental conflict, neglect, and poor parenting. Economic factors such as poverty and lack of opportunities were significant, as were social factors like peer pressure and social media. The study proposes the "Harmony in Albay: Crafting Futures, Breaking Chains" program, which includes early intervention, community engagement, education, family support, restorative justice, and mental health services.
Keywords: Juvenile Delinquency, Contributing factors, Intervention programs, Philippine National Police, City Social Welfare and Development Office
INTRODUCTION
Juvenile delinquency is a global phenomenon, and interest in comparative studies of juvenile offending and society’s reaction to it has been steadily growing, despite the inherent difficulties of comparing juvenile justice processes across different continents. Globally, juvenile delinquency affects communities and is a serious issue that crosses national borders (Neissl & Singer, 2020).
According to the North Carolina Courts, juveniles are defined as everyone under eighteen. This phrase may be defined more broadly in some states or more narrowly in others. A minor is a juvenile; a child who commits an offense that would be considered a criminal if done by an adult and is at least six but under eighteen is regarded as a "delinquent juvenile" (Chughtai et.al 2023).
(CNN,2023) details a troubling case in Las Vegas where eight youths, ages 13 to 17, are accused of killing 17-year-old Jonathan Lewis by beating him brutally; the incident appears to have been related to stolen headphones and a vape pen.
In recent statistics in the USA, it has been found that the crimes committed by persons under 18 years old are getting at high risk, and juvenile delinquency is an ongoing social issue in most of the countries around the world (Young & Giller, 2021).
According to the United Nations Children's Foundation (UNICEF), there has been an increase in the number of juvenile crimes in the Philippines, with over 50,000 young Filipinos arrested for crimes such as robbery, theft, solvent misuse, and murder being the most common (Estoro, 2023).
Juvenile delinquency poses as a societal challenge that needs to be taken action and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies (Sanchez, 2020). Thus, this study aims to explore the ongoing issue of juvenile delinquency in Ligao City, Legazpi, City, and Tabaco City, and understand the reasons why the cases of juvenile delinquency in the areas mentioned above continuously rise up despite the efforts to prevent such actions. This study also seeks to identify the current intervention programs run by agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), focusing on whether these efforts adequately address the personal, familial, economic, and social factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency in these cities in Albay. Forever, this study aims to propose an intervention program that will be able to support the existing efforts of the inter-agency departments that are combatting juvenile delinquency.
The complexity of juvenile delinquency as a societal challenge necessitates a localized and comprehensive examination to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies (Sanchez, 2020). This study aims to explore the ongoing issue of juvenile delinquency in Ligao City, Legazpi City, and Tabaco City, examining why young people in these areas continue to engage in criminal or harmful behaviors despite efforts to prevent such actions. Year after year, cases of juvenile delinquency persist, with records showing incidents from 2019 to 2023, raising concerns about whether current government interventions are sufficient. The alarming rise in juvenile offenses, including physical injury, theft, shoplifting, reckless imprudence, rape, and sexual molestation, highlights a troubling trend that poses significant risks to both individuals and the broader community. This situation concerns the researcher, who worries that without effective intervention, the youth we hope to nurture may instead contribute to an increasingly chaotic future. This study seeks to identify the current intervention programs run by agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), focusing on whether these efforts adequately address the personal, familial, economic, and social factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency in these cities in Albay.
In addition to understanding why juvenile delinquency persists, this research aims to propose an intervention program that not only prevents delinquency but also supports and strengthens the existing efforts of the PNP, CSWDO, and other agencies in Ligao City, Legazpi City, and Tabaco City. The study will advocate for a collaborative approach, calling on stakeholders such as the PNP-WCPD, CSWDO, barangay officials, local communities, schools, LGUs, and other partners to work together. By fostering this united collaboration, the program can gain greater support and effectiveness, offering a stronger, more comprehensive response to the complex issue of juvenile delinquency across these key areas in the province of Albay.
Statement of the Problem
This study aimed to analyze juvenile delinquency in the province of Albay. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: (1) To determine the status of juvenile delinquency in Albay by examining the number of cases from 2019 to 2023, the types of crimes committed, and the case statuses. (2) To analyze the contributory factors of juvenile delinquency, focusing on the personal, family, economic, and social aspects that may influence the behavior of young individuals in Albay. (3) To identify the intervention programs implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in addressing juvenile delinquency in the region. (4) To propose a comprehensive intervention program aimed at preventing juvenile delinquency in Albay, based on the findings and gaps identified in the current programs and services available to youth at risk.
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