Why are We Punishing The Police For The Effects Of The Crimes Of Parental Delinquents?

Our society often blames the police for its crimes and misgivings. Parents often blame the police for the drug dependency of their children. The police have been made an easy excuse and punching bag for the failures of our parents.

Classic example is the death of a street child in the city’s midtown area. It is unfortunate and outrageous that the parents and family of the child has accused the members of the Cebu City Police Office Station 2. Society is so good of pointing the blame to the police yet it avoids the basic question, What then is the role of the parents? Why did the parents or its family allow the child to roam around the city without them?

The hard truth is that, there are no juvenile delinquents but only parental delinquents. Children who become street children, who roam in the streets, who have made the street as their living rooms and playground are often the results of irresponsible parents. These children are not orphans yet how come they roam in our city streets? Where are their parents? Why do we turn away from these? Why do we avoid the basic question, Why are these happening? Why cannot we punish the irresponsible parents?

The death of the child in the street without her parents or any elder member of the family is the effect of the crime of the family. The crime of omission, the crime of parental delinquency is committed within the homes. The crime always starts in the home, the crime is within the home, what happens in the street is merely the effect of parental delinquency.

Why are we then blaming the police for the crime committed by the parents and elders of the child? The answer is because of transference of guilt, our society is beset with parents who because of their failures their children become criminals.

Have you heard of a parent who acknowledged their fault? That their child has become a drug dependent? In almost all situations, the Parent/s has a ready comment and excuse it is always the fault of the police why their daughter/son has become a drug dependent. The death of the street child is just one of the many. But Chastity is not alone, there are many Chastity’s in our city. Just visit the Mango Avenue area during Friday nights and weeknights, you would see minor girls roaming in the bars late at nights up to dawn. What are they doing late at nights? They drink liquor and smoke, while others take drugs. The basic question is asked; “Where are the parents of these children? Why do they allow their children to roam in the city streets late nights?”

Cebu City has changed with its buildings and lights, so has the attitude of its inhabitants. When I was young, people stay at home and only thieves, robbers, and prostitutes roam after 10:00 in the evening. Yet now, minors go out of their homes after 10:00 in the evening. Do you know why this is happening? because parents allow these to happen and when something bad (this always happen) when their child becomes pregnant, dies of drug overdose, infected with sexual disease or H.I.V./aids, the parents never accepts responsibility, they often blame our police.

The first and primary police of society are PARENTS, not government police. Parents are the first authority figure of a child. The first disciplinarian are parents and not the government. It is not the duty of the government to teach discipline, morality or civility of a child, it is the duty of the parent.

Let us always remember that the most important position you and I possess is being a father and mother. It is a sacred position, not transferable to the police or other figures of the society. Before we comment and side with the parents and elders of chastity, let us ask ourselves, do you know where are your children now? Chastity, for sure if we do not change our attitude, will not be the last child who will die in the street alone and without the presence and help of her family.

YOU are the KEEPER and GUARDIAN of your child and not the POLICE.

About the Author: Clarence Paul V. Oaminal is a lawyer and author of ‘The Textbook on The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002’. He is the Vice-chairman and Undersecretary of the Dangerous Drugs Board and is the current adviser and presiding officer of Cebu City Anti-Drug Abuse Council. He also hosts the local advocacy program ‘Krimen ug Drugas’ in CCTN Channel 47.