Rodel (not his real name) is given a chance to lead a new life under the principles of restorative justice for children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) as embodied in 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act. Rodel was 17 when he committed a crime.

THE FAMILY

Rodel is the eldest among the brood of five to parents Romedel and Alma. The family lives in a hand to mouth existence having an income which is not at all enough for the family. Romedel is a construction worker and earns at least 350 per day while Alma renders laundry services to neighbors and is being paid 200 for every service rendered. All their five children are in school so the couple has to work hard to support their children’s needs. “Hindi sapat ang kita naming mag-asawa para maitaguyod ang lahat ng pangangailangan ng aming pamilya”, Alma signed.

To look for additional income, Romedel went to Manila to look for a greener pasture. But his stay in Manila did not bring him good fate. Romedel became a victim of trafficking by a group of syndicate whose main activity is to sell human internal organs. With a promise that he will be given a good sum of money, Romedel submitted for surgical operation and sold one of his kidneys, not knowing the ill- effect to his health especially that he is a habitual drinker. “Kahit papaano kami ay natulungan, nakapagpagawa kami ng maliit na kubo para sa aking mag-anak.” shared Romedel. However as told by Rodel, their house could not be considered a home. “Walang katahimikan sa aming bahay. Walang araw na hindi nag-aaway ng aking mga magulang. Bangayan ng bangayan at kulang pa ang oras para sa amin. “
The reason why Rodel doesn’t want staying home and spent most of his time in the street.

RODEL AS A CICL

Rodel 18, is the eldest in the brood of five, a grade VI pupil and an orthopedically handicapped which was caused by a vehicular accident.

He was a street child. “Mas masaya ang buhay sa kalsada kasama ang barkada sa halip na tumira sa bahay na maingay.” disclosed Rodel. He became truant in school and learned vices like gambling and drinking liquor. He became a leader of the gang and rarely went home. Many times that Rodel’s parents is being called to the local police station because of their son’s involvement in trouble.

It was on September 15, 2015, when Rodel was arrested with two other boys because of theft. He was put to Jail for a month. Being a minor, the Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Labo, Camarines Norte ordered for his release on recognizance and further order to undergo diversion program, to be handled by the Barangay Council of Anahaw. Labo,Camarines Norte (the place of origin of Rodel).

The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) is functional that necessary intervention was extended not only to Rodel but to his family.

Spiritual, education and health intervention was extended to Rodel. He is given a chance to change his life under the principle of restorative justice for Children in Conflict with the Law. (CICL) as embodied in RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act.

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) is the policy coordinating and monitoring body that promotes and protects the rights of children at risk and children in conflict with the law under a restorative justice and welfare system.

HIS REFORM

With the support of the BCPC, Rodel was provided with various therapeutic programs such as character- building sessions, like skills training and developmental activities. He also had a former education.

As shared by a member of a faith- based group who is one of extending the diversion program, there was a great change in Rodel’s behavior. If before he is short tempered and sensitive to comments, he became participative and became friends to his fellow youth in the church community. Barangay Captain Medel Porciuncula’s commitment is to closely monitor Rodel and family. Now Rodel exhibited interest in his studies and seldom stay late at night. “Kung noon ay gabing-gabi na siya kung umuwi ng bahay, ngayon ay derecho na ang uwi niya at tumutulong na rin ng gawaing bahay” Romedel happily shared.

THE TRANSFORMATION

Nothing endures but change. A big change is now noted in Rodel’s family. With a smile on the couple’s face (Romedel and Alma) proudly shared that there is a total change in the family. What happened to Rodel is an eye-opener for the couple.

Alma proudly beams that there is no more quarrel between her and his husband. They are actively involved in the diversion program for Rodel like; values formation, attendance to Sunday worship and their regular attendance at the Family Development Session. “Malaki din ang tulong ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Hindi lang ang tulong pinansiyal bagkos ang pagkakaroon ng pagkaka-unawaan sa pamilya. Aktibo na rin ang aking asawa sa mga gawaing pangkomunidad.”

Aside from his work as a construction worker, Romedel was granted financial assistance under the Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Person (RRPTP). He invested the amount in a hog fattening project.

“Pinagsisihan ko ang nangyari sa akin subalit sa tulong ng BCPC, ng aking mga guro, si Madam Liza, ang Social Worker at ng aking mga magulang tuluyan na ang aking pagbabago”. exclaimed Rodel with pride. ###eejerusalem