ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has called for a united community effort to protect children from abuse, exploitation, violence, and criminal activity, stressing that safeguarding the youth cannot be accomplished by the police alone amid recent incidents involving minors.
Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, schools, parents, and social welfare offices is essential to ensure that children are protected before they become victims — or end up in conflict with the law.
As part of efforts to strengthen child protection systems, PRO-6 conducted a capability enhancement training in Guimaras on June 24 for Women and Children Protection Desk officers, social welfare personnel, and local government partners handling cases involving Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), Children at Risk (CAR), and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
The training sought to improve investigative skills, victim-sensitive interview techniques, and coordinated response mechanisms among frontline agencies tasked with safeguarding vulnerable sectors.
Tuaño said recent incidents involving minors – such as the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City and a stabbing incident in Cavite – highlight the need for a more proactive and humane approach in dealing with cases affecting children.
“Sa bawat sitwasyon na kinasasangkutan ng kabataan, kailangan natin ng mas maingat, mas maayos, at mas makataong paghawak ng kaso. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lang maresolba ang insidente kundi matiyak na ang mga biktima ay protektado at nabibigyan ng tamang tulong,” he said.
The police official emphasized that child protection is a shared responsibility.
“Hindi ito magagawa ng PNP (Philippine National Police) nang mag-isa. Kailangan ang pagtutulungan ng pulisya, LGUs (local government units), at iba pang ahensya para mas maging epektibo ang ating pagprotekta sa kabataan. We remain committed to stronger systems that prevent harm before it happens,” Tuaño added.
Authorities also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s activities, especially their online interactions, and immediately report suspected abuse, exploitation, or other threats involving minors./PN
