CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – As part of the week-long observance of the National Crime Prevention Week 2024, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Calabarzon underscored the importance of youth participation in ensuring crime-free communities.
Themed, “Kabataan Tara na, sa Crime Prevention, Kaisa Ka!” the 30th celebration of the NCPW highlighted the importance of capacitating and empowering the youth by conducting various information, education campaign efforts to equip them with knowledge needed to avoid becoming victims of potential crimes.
According to lawyer Owen G. De Luna, Regional Director of NAPOLCOM Calabarzon, this year’s NCPW focused on fostering a culture of vigilance and cooperation to instill a strong sense of responsibility and awareness to the young people.
“Youth play a crucial role in crime prevention. Young people need to be aware of the crimes happening in their communities, as a lack of awareness could make them potential victims. It is important for the youth to actively engage in understanding how they can contribute in preventing crimes,” De Luna said.
NAPOLCOM, together with police provincial offices in the region, will conduct month-long crime prevention seminar on schools with the key topic being cybercrime, as a way to raise awareness among the youth about how technology is used commit crimes, including sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, cyber extortion, fraud, identity theft, among others.
“Cybercrime has become extremely rampant nowadays – almost everyone, especially young people has a cellphone and almost everything now happens in cyberspace. Therefore, it is important for them to be informed and to share their knowledge as well on how to combat cybercrime.”
While the NCPW primarily focused on giving protection to the youth from becoming victims, some are involved in various crimes and are often used by syndicates to become tools for crime due to their innocence.
The regional chief urged young individuals to change their paths and assured them that the government, primarily the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Philippine National Police (PNP), will provide support and interventions to aid their reintegration into society.
He also warned syndicates and adults who prey on the youth to refrain from exploiting them, as the law will hold them accountable for these offenses. (CO/PIA-4A)