MANILA — Barangay officials in Bulacan are urging government agencies to address the frequent disturbances caused by local teenagers in Paombong.
The recent riot on January 8, where youths brandished weapons like butchers knives and wooden paddles, instilled fear among residents.
Officials from Barangay San Pedro in Hagonoy, Bulacan said that the two leaders and some members of the group called “Onse” are former residents of their village.
“The whole barangay is very alarmed. Almost every day they complain about missing cellphones, missing things, missing slippers… ‘The children involved in the robbery, rioting… Someone will pass by. they will just throw stones,” said Kagawad Ton Victoria of Brgy. San Pedro.
Despite the village’s efforts to discipline the youth, no improvement was observed, leading to the relocation of the group’s leaders to another barangay.
“Brought to the police, to the DSWD. The parents promise to keep the children away from here… I hope we can help because what the children are doing is no joke… Let’s take action,” said Victoria, who emphasized the need for intervention.
The Paombong Municipal Police Station, meanwhile, intensified patrols and enforced a curfew since the incident on January 8.
“They really created trouble only on January 8… We are intensifying our mobile patrolling now, foot patrolling. We are also coordinating with the barangays to implement the strict implementation of curfew hours,” said Pat. Mar Eduard Viray of the Paombong Municipal Police Station.
The municipal government of Paombong Bulacan has also offered assistance to address the situation. They assured residents that it’s an isolated case.
“Our town chief is in contact with the MSWDO (Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office) to apply an appropriate intervention to these young people…. If they do not go to school, we must first intervene by enrolling them in the alternative learning system and don’t get them addicted to vices and anything that will damage their growth,” said Public Information Officer of Paombong Municipal Office Romeo Sacdalan.
The police and municipal government assured residents that they are actively working to maintain peace in the area.
Source: ABS-CBN News
