Home⇛Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives⇛vol. 3 no. 11 (2025)

Barangay Councils’ Knowledge and Capability in Handling Cases of Children in Conflict with the Law

Kimberly Gonzales | Zyree D. Numbanal | Cyrene Joy N. Dulnuan | Jefferson B. Bistol | Sandryne L. Tagtag | Deiniel I. Ballitoc | Glenn Paulo K. Labasan

Discipline: Childhood and Youth Studies

 

Abstract:

This study assessed the knowledge and capability of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in handling children in conflict with the law (CICL) at Lamut, Ifugao. The research recognizes the roles of BCPC members as key workers in implementing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and protecting children's rights at the barangay level. It aimed to evaluate their understanding of legal frameworks and barangay protocols, as well as their practical skills in handling CICL cases through duties, intervention, and diversion programs. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected via a researcher-developed Likert-scale questionnaire from 53 BCPC members in barangays with high CICL incidence. Results revealed that the respondents demonstrated high levels of knowledge (composite mean = 3.08, SD = 0.58) and capability (composite mean = 2.75, SD = 0.68). Pearson’s correlation further showed a significant positive relationship (r = 0.610, p < 0.01) between knowledge and capability, indicating that greater knowledge is associated with a greater capacity to handle CICL cases. However, gaps were identified between capability and council position, underscoring the need for continuous training. The study highlights the importance of capacity-building programs in ensuring that BCPC members adhere to restorative justice principles and provide suitable support to CICL, thereby enhancing reintegration outcomes and child protection at the community level.



References:

  1. Abueva, A., Bitaña, H. J., Sims, R., Dela Cruz, I., Copino, F., Abayan, L. I., & Arban, A. K. (2020). Public budgeting for children’s rights in the Philippines. UNICEF Philippines, Plan International, Save the Children, 42 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), & 15 Government Agencies/units. https://tinyurl.com/2mxmbpmp 
  2. Aguilar, M. V. G., & Gumiran, A. C. S. (2020). On lowering the age of criminal responsibility: Perspectives from Philippine local government officials. Journal of BIMP-EAGA Regional Development, 6(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.51200/jbimpeagard.v6i1.3116 
  3. Ancho, I., Hibanada, R., Dayuta, B., Cataquian, K., & Karen, A. (2022). Training needs analysis of Filipino community officials: Evidence from university extension project. Journal Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat. https://tinyurl.com/msknr7f5 
  4. Banaag, R. V., Nolias, Z. E., & Oblefias, E. B. (2024). The demographic distribution and experiences of children in conflict with the law (CICL): An analysis. International Journal of Research Studies in Management, 12(13). https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsm.2024.1283  
  5. Beck, G. L., Matache, M. T., Riha, C., Kerber, K., & McCurdy, F. A. (2007). Clinical experience and examination performance: Is there a correlation? Medical Education, 41(6), 550–555. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2007.02764.x 
  6. Chamdani, N., Indradjaja, N., & Nurhandy, F. (2024). Diversion as the case resolution for children in conflict with the law within the perspective of legal psychology. Awong Long Law Review, 6(2), 478–482. https://doi.org/10.56301/awl.v6i2.1199 
  7. Cherry, K. (2024, July 16). How social learning theory works. Verywell Mind. https://tinyurl.com/495a4nhy
  8. Children in Conflict with the Law. (2022). International bridges to justice. https://tinyurl.com/y2ryxumt 
  9. Cortel, E. D. S. (2020). A rights-based approach to juvenile justice: Exploring the diversion of children in conflict with the law in the Philippines (master’s thesis). International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam. https://tinyurl.com/3u9k4mn8
  10. Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2008). Guidelines in the conduct of diversion for children in conflict with the law (administrative order no. 7, Series of 2008). Department of Social Welfare and Development.  https://dswd.gov.ph/issuances/AOs/AO_2008-007.pdf /
  11. Department of the Interior and Local Government. (N. D.). DILG to LCES: Use manual for handling child-related cases in barangays. https://tinyurl.com/4fpaf4d9
  12. Department of the Interior and Local Government. (2017). Use manual for child-related cases in barangays. https://tinyurl.com/2ddbttax
  13. Esquinas, A. M. (2025). Assessment on the barangay council for the protection of children (BCPC) programs in addressing children’s welfare in Calamba City, Laguna. International Journal of Research Publications, 173(1). https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1001731520257862
  14. Fabre, P., Barrero, B., Amay, C., Mansueto, G., Dayta, B., & Vedra, A. (2016). Intervention programs for children in conflict with the law (CICL): Gearing towards sustainable development. American Journal of Social Sciences, Arts and Literature, 3(3). 
  15. Gonzales, I. T., Gonzales, R. U., Capoy, P. S., Osop, A. D., & Bustamante-Paster, A. (2023). Evaluation and enhancement of existing intervention programs for juvenile delinquency. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijmra/v6-i1-46 
  16. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council. (N. D.). Barangay protocol in managing cases of children in conflict with the law and child at risk. https://tinyurl.com/3u5mdhxv
  17. Juvenile Justice Reform Commission. (2007). The rights of children in conflict with the law. UNICEF. https://tinyurl.com/yfhhddm2 
  18. Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council, Ramirez, M. G. R., & Feliciano, M. S. (2017). Legal research on RA 9344 as amended. In compilation of Philippine supreme court decisions and jurisprudence on the juvenile justice and welfare act (RA 9344) from 2006 to June 2017. https://tinyurl.com/ye8daj6w 
  19. Laro, A. (2021). Handling children in conflict with the law: From the journal of field instruction students. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(8). https://tinyurl.com/82ew4sr8 
  20. Miksza, P., Shaw, T., Richerme, L. K., Hash, M., Hodges, A., & Parker, E. C. (2023). 12 Quantitative descriptive and correlational research. Oxford University Press.
  21. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197639757.003.0012
  22. Molina-Lingvall, M., Cruz, M. T., & Segundo, R. P. (2024). Restorative justice for children in conflict with the law: A community-based solution. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 8(7), 2988–3003. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2024.807233 
  23. Naynes, L. M. T., Bello, L. Q., & Rey, H. M. T. (2022). The knowledge and competency of barangay council for the protection of children in handling cases of children in conflict with the law. Philippines E-Journals. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=22419 
  24. Online Resource on Local Governance. (2024, October 4). Barangay council for the protection of children (BCPC) – Online resource on local governance. Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, Lamitan City Field Office. https://tinyurl.com/kvt8pv8e 
  25. Oppus, A. M. (2015). Level of awareness and perception of elected officials on the juvenile justice and welfare act of 2006 (RA 9344). International Journal of Business and Management Studies, 9(2).
  26. Pablo, M. C. (2025). Barangay desk officers capability in handling violence against women and children incidents. Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.57239/pjlss-2025-23.1.00543 
  27. Pamposa, M. A., Besa, A. S., & Sultan Kudarat State University. (2025). Barangay council for the protection of children, their four core rights and its contribution to barangay good governance. Ignatian International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 3(3). https://tinyurl.com/yknnexer 
  28. Pidlao-Palitayan, B. M. (2023). Rehabilitation services for children in conflict with the law in Baguio City. International Journal of Advance Research, 11(7), 804–824. https://doi.org/10.21474/ijar01/17288 
  29. Republic Act No. 9344 – An act establishing a comprehensive juvenile justice and welfare system, creating the juvenile justice and welfare council under the department of justice, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes –Supreme Court E-Library. (n.d.). https://tinyurl.com/bdfjmaxm 
  30. Roche, S., & Flynn, C. (2021). Local child protection in the Philippines: A case study of actors, processes and key risks for children. Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies, 8(3), 367–383. https://doi.org/10.1002/app5.332 
  31. Sigue, J. B. (2020). RA 9344 or the juvenile justice and welfare act of 2006: A case study on its implementation in Bacolod City. Philippine Legal Research. https://tinyurl.com/4esn7huv 
  32. Subakade, K., & Lawani, B. T. (2022). Psycho-social problems among children in conflict with the law: An exploration and social work intervention study in Pune City. Scholarly Research Journal for Humanity Science and English Language, 10(52). https://doi.org/10.21922/srjhsel.v10i52.11513 
  33. Suerte, K. C. M., Tigoy, R. I. P., Zulita, A. G., Valmorida, F. M. S., Ferrater, R. R. J., Salvacion, R. R., & Aspacio, D. C. (2023). Describing the practices of social workers in handling children in conflict with the law. Canadian Journal of Educational and Social Studies, 3(4), 167–184. https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v3i4.169
  34. Tabanao, E. G. V., Salindo, P. P., Salindo, J. K. B., Ubat, J. T., Pelletero, V. B. M., & Mahalay, R. S. (2025). Leadership and resilience: Evaluating rural development training for barangay officials. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=25708
  35. UNICEF Philippines. (2019, May 20). Implement the juvenile justice law fully and effectively. https://tinyurl.com/5x3v26h8
  36. Urbano, S. W., Arcangel, J. C., Cordosoc, T. M. M., Gonzales, C. F., Pascua, A. T., Cabantac, M., Quilang, J. A., & Lagasca-Hiloma, C. M. (2023). Assessing the impact of holistic intervention program for children in conflict with the law (CICL) after rehabilitation in bahay pag-asa in Cauayan City, Isabela. Spring Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(12), 24–36. https://doi.org/10.55559/sjahss.v2i12.188

Tools


Copyright © 2025  KITE Digital Educational Solutions |  Exclusively distributed by CE-Logic