Youth leaders should lead advocacy on crime prevention
Youth leaders should be actively involved in spearheading the conduct of forums with their sector on topics that would greatly help prevent crime.
This was emphasized by Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Virgilio P. Garcia of the Office of the Regional State Prosecutor in Iloilo City during the recent PIA-CATV program, in connection with the National Crime Prevention Week observed during the first week of September.
Prosecutor Garcia said that a forum for the youth sector with resource persons from the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police and other concerned government agencies is highly suggested so that the youths will also be apprised with relevant laws like RA 9165 otherwise know as the Comprehensive Drugs Law.
"There are some youths who are indulged or are using prohibited and dangerous drugs out of thrill and adventure without knowing the drastic effects, and also the serious penalties that goes with it," Garcia said.
He said that "if this particular law for example, is explained to them, then their understanding will help prevent them from going into illegal activities, likewise crime can also be prevented".
Other guests of the PIA-CATV program were Atty. Jose Niego of the National Police Commission VI and Ms. Cherryl P. Tacda of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The PIA-CATV program is hosted by Totei Villavert of PIA.
This year's National Crime Prevention Week celebration is focused on the involvement of the youth sector in crime prevention with the theme "Kapit-Bisig Kabataan Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Now Na!"; and the slogan- "Lakad Kabataan Laban sa Kriminalidad".
The celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461 declaring the first week of September of every year as the National Crime Prevention Week, during which all government agencies and instrumentalities of government are enjoined to evolve and implement projects and activities that focus on prevention as an approach in combating criminality. (PIA/T.Villavert)