POLICING STREET CRIMES: THE ROLE OF PNP IN REGULATING YOUTH IN QUEZON AVENUE, LUCENA CITY AS VIEWED BY SELECTED MEDIA PRACTITIONERS OF LUCENA CITY

This study sought to analyze the role of the Philippine National Police in regulating youth in Lucena City as viewed by selected media officers of Lucena City. Forty (40) selected media personnel persons were chosen by the researcher as their respondents. As “watchdogs” of democracy, journalist play a very crucial role in protect the lives and properties of the members of society, as well as helping the authorities in promoting peace and keep civil order in the country. Questionnaire was the primary tool in gathering data for the study while the interview method was used only to confirm some thoughts of the researchers. Finding revealed that majority of the respondents favored the declaration that stealing and carrying away of personal goods in Lucena City is a common scenery in the city, particularly perpetrated by juvenile delinquents; that PNP evaluates statistical data on women’s and children’s cases reported and handled by the Women and Children Division. It was also revealed that majority of the youth offenders were not properly guided and supervised by their respective parents and/or guardians. The researchers also believed that statistics shows that most children are obliged to work day and night so that they can pass starvation. It was recommended that to at least minimize children on the streets, the city police may initiate the founding of a “Pamilya ko, Mahal ko” program or other similar activities which concerns on strengthening family ties. If such similar program organizations exist, creative and innovative set of activities can be spearheaded by the proper authorities. Likewise, negotiations between the police and local social workers must take place to settle conflicts on contemporary issues affecting their efficiency and productivity on regulating youth in Quezon Avenue. This can be done through proper coordination with the proper authorities. Add to that, innovative activities and programs must be implemented by the police force together with the CSWD. For example, providing skills training, livelihood programs and free education to children, such as engaging in when in a topic related to good manners and/or family, the police may bring the children to a child-friendly setting, in a proper coordination with the authorities off course. Add lastly, the police force must have an evaluation or assessment of their past activities, meetings, and the likes to identify whether or not they repeat the same tasks regarding their existing program on juvenile delinquents or children in conflict with the law. Following the assessment are the laying of possible solutions and actions with regards to the result of the said evaluation.