Gang violence in Baguio growing
Kirk was a day shy of his 17th birthday when he was pushed to his death from a bridge while on his way home. His killers were never apprehended and investigations are still on-going. The tragedy happened September 6, 2006. To date, the case is still under investigation. (News report here.)
Many believe that Kirk was a victim of gang violence. He might have been a random target or was deliberately attacked. No one can tell but the level of the violence is disturbing. Gone are the days when gangs settled their issues like men and faced each other in "rumbles".
A few years ago, I sat down and talked to a young lad about his experience as an advocate against gang violence. He was an engaging person but behind his smiles was a past that was paved with violence and delinquency. He was a member of a gang and was directly responsible for the death of a neophyte in a violent initiation rite.
In the December 2 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier city officials recognized that the increasing number of gang related violence is cause for concern and that the city must acknowledge that the "gang wars" are clear and present danger.
It is notable that a city resolution was passed to "regulate the activities of these young people and to channel their efforts, resources, and idealism to make them pro-active partners in governance".
The escalation was made evident with the publication of high profile cases of violence linked to gang members such as the grenade attack inside an Internet café last Oct. 2; a free-for-all street brawl involving dozens of gang members in front of Saint Louis University last April 14; and a shooting incident along Session Road last April 13.
There used to be a program sanctioned by the Baguio Police and spear-headed by a former city hall official on regulating the activities of fraternities and gangs in the city. I think there were unification talks, too.
Here are the news reports from BMC about the growing problem [1] [2] [3]
Many believe that Kirk was a victim of gang violence. He might have been a random target or was deliberately attacked. No one can tell but the level of the violence is disturbing. Gone are the days when gangs settled their issues like men and faced each other in "rumbles".
A few years ago, I sat down and talked to a young lad about his experience as an advocate against gang violence. He was an engaging person but behind his smiles was a past that was paved with violence and delinquency. He was a member of a gang and was directly responsible for the death of a neophyte in a violent initiation rite.
In the December 2 issue of the Baguio Midland Courier city officials recognized that the increasing number of gang related violence is cause for concern and that the city must acknowledge that the "gang wars" are clear and present danger.
It is notable that a city resolution was passed to "regulate the activities of these young people and to channel their efforts, resources, and idealism to make them pro-active partners in governance".
The escalation was made evident with the publication of high profile cases of violence linked to gang members such as the grenade attack inside an Internet café last Oct. 2; a free-for-all street brawl involving dozens of gang members in front of Saint Louis University last April 14; and a shooting incident along Session Road last April 13.
There used to be a program sanctioned by the Baguio Police and spear-headed by a former city hall official on regulating the activities of fraternities and gangs in the city. I think there were unification talks, too.
Here are the news reports from BMC about the growing problem [1] [2] [3]
Hi there bro, so nice to see your articles, guess this is what keeping you busy there :)... kumuta ngay?.. when you planning to visit us here? Take care always and God Bless...
ReplyDeleteFYI: Will be getting married na this coming April 11, will be sending you my invitations soon :).. bye..
Like the article. I myself am in trouble after getting involved in a fight with gang members in nevada square. They say they are looking for me, they have come to my house and taken pictures of me. What is your advice?
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