Antipolo Police Arrest Young Man for Allegedly Involving Child in Theft
ANTIPOLO, RIZAL – An 18-year-old man was arrested in Antipolo City on charges of child abuse for allegedly involving a child in theft.
On Wednesday (June 21, 2024), Antipolo police duty officer PCapt. Carlo Tamondong reported that the suspect had allegedly involved his younger sibling, a minor, in committing theft a year ago.
“Initially ang kaso [niya] ay pagnanakaw, at sinama niya ang kapatid niyang minor sa pagnanakaw kaya nakasuhan siya ng child abuse kasi inducing a minor to commit a crime. Alam naman natin kapag maliit, madaling umakyat.. ta’s buksan ang pintuan,” explained Tamondong.
Authorities are investigating further to determine if there are any other complaints or instances of abuse not yet reported, as the arrest warrant did not specify additional details.
“Hinahanap pa natin kung mayroong naabuso o mga complainant na hindi pa nag-file ng kaso,” Tamondong added.
The suspect admitted that he and his 12-year-old brother stole items from a neighbor and sold them to a junk shop for P80. “Nagipit lang kaya nagawa namin. Gipit lang kami noon… may sakit mga magulang ko noon kaya nagawa namin yun,” he explained.
He also expressed regret, hoping for forgiveness from those they wronged. “Sana mapatawad na kami noon nagreklamo,” he said.
The police emphasized the importance of protecting minors from being involved in crimes. “Maawa naman kayo sa mga kabataan, huwag natin turuan na gumawa ng mali,” Tamondong urged.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Antipolo Police Station and has been charged with child abuse. The authorities are working to ensure justice is served and that minors are protected from being used in criminal activities.
In a previous post, a student falls victim to theft in Pasay coffee shop
The incident has earned discussions about the involvement of minors in crimes and the responsibilities of adults to protect and guide children.
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