Fifty-five minors involved in the September 21 riots in parts of Manila have begun their community service alongside their parents, the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) confirmed on Friday, Oct. 17.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said the initiative aims to help the youth recognize the consequences of their actions and understand that disorder and destruction yield no positive outcomes.
“Let this be a lesson to all,” Domagoso said. “Vandalism and chaos bring nothing good. Always remember—no one will care for and fix our country but us Filipinos.”
The Manila Prosecutor’s Office ordered the minors to undergo a diversion program under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 (Republic Act No. 9344), as amended by RA 10
The law allows Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) to be diverted from formal judicial proceedings and instead placed into community-based programs that focus on restorative justice rather than punishment.
As part of the agreement for their release, the parents of the CICL pledged their cooperation with the city government in helping clean Manila and take full responsibility for supervising their children while they complete the diversion program.
MDSW Director Jay Dela Fuente had earlier met with the minors’ parents to remind them of their responsibility to properly guide and discipline their children.
He also emphasized the existing laws that hold minors accountable for their actions in such incidents.
Dela Fuente said the diversion program aims to help the youth reform through counseling, values formation, and community service, teaching them the importance of discipline, respect, and positive behavior.
Domagoso said the chaos resulted in around P10.4 million worth of damages, affecting both private and public properties.
The damage tally includes costs from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the city government, and various private citizens whose properties were destroyed during the riots. (Patrick Garcia)
