Archival raises gaps at CICL facility after yet another escape

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival has pointed to possible shortcomings in rehabilitation programs and facility conditions at Operation Second Chance as contributing factors in the recent escape of 15 children in conflict with the law (CICL).

Archival said his inspection of the city-run facility in Barangay Kalunasan revealed both structural vulnerabilities and gaps in the center’s day-to-day environment that may have driven the minors to flee.

“Pagbisita nako didto, akong gi-analyze ang rason. Ang akong nakita, ilang sleeping area naa’y grills, pero gi-connect ra sa gamay nga kabilya,” Archival said in a press conference on Monday, April 13.

He explained that the minors were able to dismantle the grills using wooden bed parts.

The mayor said that while the facility offers recreation, schooling, and Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs, these interventions may not be functioning effectively.

“Naay recreation, naay study, naay ALS didto, pero sa akong tan-aw, it’s not working well,” he said.

He added that even basic amenities such as television sets were no longer functional.

Archival said the lack of meaningful engagement inside the facility could have contributed to the escape.

“Possibilidad nga mao’y reason nga ni-escape sila tungod wala sila malingaw,” he said.

Beyond infrastructure, the mayor emphasized the need for stronger emotional and social support for the minors, proposing the presence of a “mother figure” within the facility.

“There are social workers, but we need somebody nga murag ‘mama’ gyud, kanang makahatag og connection sa mga bata,” he said.

Archival noted that guidance from a parental figure could help reinforce discipline and emotional stability.

He also cited the lack of sports facilities and other recreational outlets, saying these concerns, while correctible, have long been raised by the children themselves.

Among the immediate measures being considered are improvements to sleeping quarters, repairs to recreational facilities, and a comprehensive review of the center’s security system.

“One is to review the security system and tan-awon asa sila pwede makaagi. Rest assured, before the year ends, maayo na ang sleeping quarters, we will cure it,” Archival said.

The mayor also confirmed that contraband cellphones were recovered during a post-incident inspection, raising concerns about possible internal lapses.

“Naay information nga naay cellphone nga nasulod didto, and tinuod gyud, kay naay nakit-an nga tulo kabuok,” he said.

Archival said the presence of unauthorized devices suggests that someone from inside the facility may have facilitated their entry.

“That’s one thing we are looking at. If naay cellphone sulod, naay tawo nga nagpasulod,” he added, noting that personnel assignments are now under evaluation and could be subject to changes.

He said the city is also studying the installation of additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to strengthen monitoring and accountability.

At the same time, the mayor is proposing a regulated communication system that would allow CICLs to stay in touch with their families through supervised internet access.

“Atong butangan og computer and internet so they can communicate with their families. Maka-video call sila. This is one of the biggest things we will implement,” he said.

An investigation is ongoing to determine how the minors managed to escape, with authorities looking into both structural weaknesses and possible internal involvement.

The 15 CICLs escaped late Saturday night, April 11, after reportedly damaging window grills following the confiscation of three cellphones during a routine inspection. All have since been recovered through coordinated police operations.

The incident marks the latest in a series of security breaches at Operation Second Chance, a rehabilitation facility designed to provide education, counseling, and reintegration programs for minors in conflict with the law.(TGP)