The number of children in conflict with the law (CICL) cases in Cebu province slightly decreased in the first half of 2026, with police recording fewer incidents compared with the same period last year.
The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) recorded 105 CICL cases from Jan. 1 to July 13, 2026, down by 2.78 percent from the 108 cases recorded during the same period in 2025.
Police Lt. Ritchil Tesoro, chief of the CPPO Women and Children’s Protection Desk, shared the figures during the Hisgutan Ta media forum, noting that despite the overall decline, drug-related offenses remained the leading cause of CICL cases.
Violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act increased to 54 cases this year from 39 cases in 2025, a 34.09 percent rise.
Tesoro said drug possession, sale, and other related offenses accounted for more than half of the total CICL cases recorded in 2026.
Other offenses showed mixed trends. Robbery cases increased from five to seven, while rape cases dropped from 12 to seven. Homicide cases decreased from five to three, while murder cases declined from four to two.
Most of the children involved in CICL cases were aged 15 to 17. Seventeen-year-olds accounted for 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 comprised the majority of CICL cases with 99 incidents, while females accounted for six cases.
CICL cases have drawn renewed attention following the recent school shooting in Tacloban City involving minors.
Tesoro said bullying and exposure to harmful content on social media were among the factors linked 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,” Tesoro said.
She urged parents to watch for warning signs such as repeated threats, aggression, bullying, bringing weapons, fixation on violence or revenge, sudden behavioral changes, and social withdrawal.
Tesoro said these signs do not automatically mean a child will become violent but should not be ignored.
She advised parents to communicate with their children, monitor their activities, coordinate with schools when necessary, and seek guidance from counselors or mental health professionals.
The CPPO continues to implement youth protection programs, including 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.
The police also conduct house-to-house visits, barangay dialogues, child awareness campaigns, responsible parenting seminars, and case conferences.
Cebu has 30 local government-operated holding facilities for CICL, along with rehabilitation centers managed by partner institutions.
Tesoro reminded the public to report credible threats or concerning behavior to teachers, school officials, parents, or authorities.
She said reports involving immediate risks should be addressed by prioritizing safety, including contacting the Philippine National Police through the 911 hotline and following school emergency procedures.
Photo courtesy of Unicef
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