At least three incidents of theft in a barangay in Calasiao, Pangasinan involved minors, something that alarmed officials.

The latest incident involved stealing items from a convenience store.

“Mga kabataan talaga, mga menor de edad, 17 pababa ang mga edad karamihan sa nasasangkot sa mga magnanakaw,” says Geraldo Andaya of the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay San Miguel.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Calasiao said the minors were made to undergo counseling administered by trained and registered social workers.

“Mayroon tayong mga registered social workers and trained na magbigay ng phychosocial intervention including counseling sa mga kabataan na nasasangkot sa mga krimen,” said

The barangay council of San Miguel has also spoken to their parents.

Andaya said the minors admitted to the crime.

“Mayroon daw silang gamit na cutter para maputol ang mga bakal para makapasok sa bahay. ‘Yun ang mga sabi nila,” Andaya said.

As a preventive measure, the barangay has approved a budget for the construction of outposts in various areas in San Miguel so that tanods can be more visible.

Loreta Rico, a resident, said they make sure their door is always locked each time they went to bed.

“Nagla-lock ng pinto para kampante matulog kasi umiiwas sa mga masasamang loob,” she said.