GINGOOG City — Police and education officials are urging parents to take a more active role in guiding their children as authorities step up efforts to prevent crimes involving minors.
The appeal came from the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) and the Gingoog City Schools Division following recent incidents involving minors, including the school shooting in Tacloban City, which has heightened concerns over youth safety and juvenile delinquency.
PRO-10 spokesperson Police Major Joann Navarro said parents play the biggest role in keeping children away from criminal activities through close supervision and proper guidance.
She stressed that preventing juvenile crime requires strong cooperation among families, schools, barangays, and law enforcement agencies.
Navarro also reminded parents that they may face legal liability if their minor children commit offenses that result in injuries or property damage.
Gingoog City Schools Division Superintendent Edgardo Abanil echoed the call, saying that values and discipline begin at home, with parents serving as a child's first teachers while schools reinforce those lessons.
Abanil said the Schools Division has been working with the Philippine National Police and other government agencies through its HEADSS on Wheels program, which conducts regular dialogues and awareness campaigns on child protection, mental health, and youth welfare.
Despite growing concerns nationwide, Abanil said Gingoog City schools have not recorded any incidents of school violence.
"Prevention always starts at home," he said, urging parents to remain involved in their children's lives and education.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 reported that it has assisted 144 children in conflict with the law (CICL) this year.
Regional Information Officer Roshiel Galia said 89 minors remain under the agency's care, while the rest have completed intervention programs or were referred to community-based services.
Authorities said continued parental involvement, coupled with community support, remains the strongest defense against youth crime and school violence.
