TANAUAN, Leyte – Lack of fund did not hinder the Regional Rehabilitation Center (RRCY) here from implementing its programs in 2004 especially on the care of 82 children-in-conflict-with-law.

RRCY head Marcela Lim told Leyte Samar Daily Express that almost all of these 82 cases can be considered drug-related.

Lim told Express that violation of PD 1619 of sniffing of rugby or volatile substance topped the list of cases on record. Most of the violators came from Tacloban city, she added.

Last year, some 11 minors were also admitted into the rehabilitation center for committing theft, seven for robbery, six for violation of RA 9165 or illegal use of shabu, six for robbery with use of force upon things, five for murder, three for rape, three for violation of PD 1603 or illegal engagement in jueteng; two for robbery in public building, two for homicide, and two statutory rape, and one each for robbery with violence against and intimidation of a person, robbery with homicide, qualified theft, theft and assault of a person in authority, attempted rape, and attempted murder.

Through court orders, 36 of these minors were discharged last year based on their good performance inside the rehabilitation center.

But Lim told Express that aside from 36 residents who were already discharged from the center, seven faced a return-to-court order and were transferred to city jail for custody after they committed ‘unlikely acts.’

On the other hand, Lim was happy that five discharged cases in Ormoc are presently employed and have totally changed .