The Bacolod police yesterday said it cannot resolve the burglary at the City Veterinarian’s Office on Monday because of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

Police Station 1 commander, Chief Inspector Noel Manaay, said they have suspects in the break-in at the CVO, which lost P10,000 in cash, a microphone, and other valuables in the incident, but they are minors.

City veterinarian Dr. Adelo Daroy is calling on the suspects to return the items, particularly the microphone that he and his staff use in their campaigns.

Under R.A. 9344 suspects under 18 years old cannot be detained in police stations but should be turned over to social welfare facilities for rehabilitation.

Social workers and the courts have to determine first if those who are 15 years old and above when they committed the crime, had done the acts “with discernment”, before they could be charged.

Manaay said that their suspects in the CVO case are all teenagers who will have to be endorsed to the Bacolod City Social Development Center – if ever apprehended.*PP

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