Most CICL cases in Cebu linked to illegal drugs

Local

ILLEGAL drugs remained the biggest reason minors end up in conflict with the law in Cebu province, even as the total number of juvenile cases posted a slight decline in the first half of 2026.

At the Hisgutan Ta media forum, Lt. Ritchil Tesoro, chief of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said 105 CICL cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to July 13, 2026, down from 108 cases during the same period in 2025.

Despite the 2.78-percent decrease, violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act increased from 39 cases in 2025 to 54 cases this year, or by 34.09 percent.

Tesoro said possession, sale, and other drug-related offenses accounted for more than half of all CICL cases recorded this year.

Robbery cases increased from five to seven, while rape cases declined from 12 to seven.

Homicide cases dropped from five to three, and murder cases fell from four to two.

Most of the children involved were between 15 and 17 years old.

Seventeen-year-olds accounted for the largest group with 35 cases, followed by 16-year-olds with 34 cases and 15-year-olds with 25 cases.

Only two cases involved children aged seven and 11.

Males accounted for 99 of the 105 cases, while females were involved in six cases.

CICL cases have come under renewed scrutiny following the recent school shooting in Tacloban City involving minors.

Tesoro identified bullying and exposure to harmful content on social media as among the factors contributing to youth-related offenses.

“Many children today spend considerable time on social media, online games, and other digital platforms, where they may be exposed to violent content or harmful influences,” she said.

“Parents should also watch for warning signs such as repeated threats, aggression, bullying, bringing of weapons, an unhealthy fixation on violence or revenge, sudden behavioral changes, or social withdrawal,” she added.

She said the warning signs do not automatically indicate that a child will become violent, but stressed that they should not be ignored.

Tesoro advised parents to talk to their children, closely monitor their activities, coordinate with school officials when necessary, and seek guidance from counselors or mental health professionals.

The CPPO said it continues to implement several programs aimed at preventing youth crime and protecting children.

These include Oplan Bisita Eskwela (BES), Pito Laban sa Abuso, the A.N.A.K. Program of the Danao City Component Police Station, and Project HUG of the Carcar City Component Police Station.

Other interventions include house-to-house visits, barangay dialogues, child awareness campaigns, responsible parenting seminars, and case conferences.

The province also has 30 local government-operated holding facilities for CICL, along with rehabilitation centers managed by partner institutions.

Tesoro urged the public to immediately report credible threats or concerning behavior to teachers, school officials, parents, or the police, especially in situations involving a possible risk of harm.

Tesoro said anyone who becomes aware of a credible threat or concerning behavior should report it immediately to a teacher, school principal, guidance counselor, or other school official.

She added that parents or guardians of the student involved should also be informed.

In cases involving an immediate risk of harm, she said the priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety by contacting the Philippine National Police through its 911 hotline and following the school’s emergency procedures.(MyTVCebu)