By Gerome Dalipe IV
Iloilo City Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna has raised concerns over the rising cases of bullying, petty crimes, and violence involving minors, both as perpetrators and victims.
Speaking at a council session on Feb. 26, Cabaluna emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to protect students and prevent further incidents.
He cited several troubling cases.
On Oct. 18, 2024, a Grade 8 student from Iloilo National High School (INHS) and three classmates were attacked outside their school by a group of minors.
The attackers demanded money, and when the students refused, the victim, Jother, was punched, kicked, and threatened with a knife.
He managed to escape and sought help at a nearby eatery.
On Feb. 10, 2025, a woman biking near Esplanade 8 in Barangay President Roxas was held up by four minors who stole her bag.
Police later identified the suspects as escapees from Balay Dalayunan, a rehabilitation center for children in conflict with the law (CICL).
Four days later, on Feb. 14, a 15-year-old Grade 10 student from Barangay Balantang, Jaro, was assaulted while walking home along E. Lopez Street.
Two unidentified men struck him in the side and head before fleeing the scene.
The violence continued on Feb. 20, 2025, when a brawl between two groups of INHS students left two injured.
Police recovered four knives from the scene.
The incident follows a pattern of violent clashes in Iloilo City that have drawn national attention.
Vandalism has also become a concern, with several portable toilets along Iloilo Sunset Boulevard recently defaced, allegedly by minors suspected of being gang members.
Data from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) revealed 149 CICL cases reported in 2024, including 47 cases of physical injury and 32 cases of theft.
In the first two months of 2025, police have already recorded 11 CICL cases, excluding unreported incidents or those settled at the barangay level.
“These numbers show a growing problem that needs immediate attention,” Cabaluna said.
He stressed that schools must be safe spaces where students can focus on their education without fear of harm.
Cabaluna called on parents to closely guide their children and ensure they avoid the influence of gangs.
He urged the involvement of schools, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), barangay officials, the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC), the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and religious groups to provide mentorship and positive youth activities.
The councilor also pushed for increased police visibility during school hours to deter attacks on students.
He proposed forming a task force to monitor and address gang activities.
“I will push for a resolution to convene institutions, sectors, and agencies to craft measures to solve this problem,” Cabaluna said.
He also appealed to the youth to abandon destructive behavior.
“There is no future in gangs or violence. When trouble comes, these so-called friends will abandon you. It is your family who will bear the pain and shame.”
Cabaluna clarified that the goal is not to punish wayward youth but to help steer them toward better paths.