‘Bantayan tayo dagiti ubing tayo... dagijay barka-barkada nu maminsan ket bad influence” – HPG-Kalinga chief Bongat reminds parents after 15-yr-old caught stealing motorcycle in Tabuk

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — “Closely monitor your children and the people they spend time with,” Highway Patrol Group-Kalinga (HPG-Kalinga) chief PCPT Jordan Bongat reminded parents and guardians following the custody of a child in conflict with the law (CICL) in connection with the alleged theft of a motorcycle in Tabuk City.

The 15-year-old CICL was taken into custody after police recovered a motorcycle that had been reported stolen in Dagupan West, Tabuk City, on September 22 and later located in Laya West on September 25.

The motorcycle was reported missing to HPG-Kalinga on September 24 after its owner allegedly left it unattended in Dagupan West with the key still attached to the unit.

At around 2:30 p.m., the motorcycle was spotted parked in front of a house under construction, where the 15-year-old CICL was also seen. Police later confirmed that the unit was the same motorcycle reported stolen.

The minor was subsequently turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for assessment and appropriate intervention.

Bongat urges parents to watch over children

Following the incident, Bongat reminded parents and guardians of their important role in guiding their children, particularly in monitoring their activities and knowing the people they regularly spend time with.

He noted that peer groups can sometimes have a negative influence on minors, making parental supervision and guidance important in helping prevent children from becoming involved in activities that could put them in conflict with the law.

Bongat also urged parents to remain attentive to their children's behavior and surroundings, particularly as authorities continue to encounter cases involving minors.

“Para kadagiti parents met, bantayan tayo dagiti ubing tayo ta adu ti minor nga involve ti naduma-duma nga krimen. Gapo ta dagijay barka-barkada da nu maminsan ket bad influence,” Bongat said.

Bongat reminds owners to secure motorcycles

Bongat also reminded motorcycle owners to take greater care in securing their vehicles, particularly by taking their keys with them after parking.

He advised owners to avoid leaving their motorcycles unattended and, whenever possible, park them in safe or designated areas.

“Kadagiti motorcycle owners, siguraduen tayo nga always eggem tayo susi na. Tapos nu ada safe place nga parkingan, lalo diay uneg, idiay lattan pagparkingan. Makita mi ditoy (Kalinga) ket adu ti komporme lang pagparkan da motor da,” Bongat added.

Bongat said preventing similar incidents requires responsibility from both parents and motorcycle owners.

Parents are encouraged to remain involved in their children's lives and guide them in choosing their companions, while motorcycle owners are urged to secure their vehicles and avoid leaving keys attached when parked.