Educators Group in Mindanao Rejects Punitive Measures Against Juvenile Delinquency
An educators network has rejected calls for increased police presence in schools and lowering the age of criminal responsibility following a school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 injured. The Educators Forum for Development (EFD)-Mindanao urged the government to instead conduct a comprehensive review of institutional failures in preventing juvenile delinquency and prioritize students’ psychological well-being over punitive measures.
EFD-Mindanao cited data showing that crimes committed by children account for only 2% of total offenses, with most being non-serious. Sr. Concepcion Gasang, Lead Convenor of EFD-Mindanao, stated that school violence reflects broader societal issues like systemic poverty and injustice, exposing children to “normalized violence” that distorts their understanding of consequences.
The group opposed militarizing schools, emphasizing that children need healing and restorative justice rather than punitive measures. EFD-Mindanao co-convenor Prof. Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa called for state intervention through fully funding existing laws, hiring school counselors, training social workers, reviewing child discernment tools, and investing in preventive programs like positive discipline and mental health resources.
The group extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged policies that align with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act’s intent. (MindaNews)
