An enlisted member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines sit vigilantly on the top of one of the surveillance towers of Camp Martin Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
Under his watchful eyes relies the safety of his camp and battalion from armed destabilizing forces that maybe lurking in the surroundings. His name is Technical Sergeant Peter of the Philippine Army.
Unknown to his comrades in the Army, he is among the many who was given a fresh lease in life under the principles of restorative justice for Children In Conflict with the Law (CICL) as embodied in Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act.
When Peter was 17 years old, he was charged of murder at RTC branch 14-Family Court, Roxas City. He was given a chance by the court to renew himself being a minor at that time.
He was ordered to undergo rehabilitation at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), a center managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sometime in 2005. That marked the start of his journey of reform at RRCY.
While he was at the Center, he was provided with different therapeutic programs such as Character building sessions, life skills training, psychotherapy sessions and developmental activities were made available to him. His educational program included formal education.
While at the center, he participated in these programs and was observant of the center’s rules and regulations as well as that of the school’s.
Due to his good performance, he was given incentive to be one of the participants of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) Life Skills Encampment in Tangalan, Aklan representing CICLs.
Earning the trust of the center staff, he was enrolled in BS Automotive Mechanic at Guimaras State College.
His case was dismissed through court order in 2006.
Instead of returning to his custodian, he was discharged to the custody of a social worker of DSWD Field Office VI in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras to enable him to finish his course with the support of his legal custodians from Roxas City.
Every weekend, he engaged himself in making handicraft where he earned P1,800 to support himself and whatever extra he could provide, he sent to his family knowing fully the financial stature of his biological family.
After he graduated from college, he went home to Roxas City to be with his custodians.
After one year, he joined the Philippine Army. Until now he serves his country.
He acknowledges the second chance provided by R.A. 9344 and the efforts of the center staff who once acted as his surrogate parents at the center.
Over above else, he expresses gratitude to the Social Worker who willingly opened the doors of their home to him when he was discharged from the center.
Aside from being a military man, he is also happily married to a responsible wife from Jaro, Iloilo City.
Despite being assigned far from his family, he visits them whenever possible and concerns himself with the needs of his family and involves himself in the affairs of his children through frequent communication.
Peter is now a dedicated soldier, husband and a family man.
All these would not have been possible without Republic Act 9344./dswd6/Robert Paul Joseph Eclar