PALO, Leyte — Youth offenders admitted to the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth in Tanauan, Leyte have reportedly been escaping from the facility at night, raising concerns among residents of the surrounding community.

The RRCY, operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII, houses children in conflict with the law. Among its current wards are the two minors implicated in the fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on 22 June.

Danilo Cinco, a village councilor of Barangay Sto. Niño, Tanauan, said the youths are often seen leaving the facility by climbing over or passing through a damaged section of the fence at the back of the compound.

“They usually leave at around 6 p.m. and return in the morning. We don’t know what they do while they are outside the facility. Something could happen to them, or they could become involved in something undesirable,” Cinco said.

Cinco said there had been previous incidents in which some of the male wards were allegedly linked to theft, heightening the concerns of nearby residents.

He said the youths are able to leave by damaging the perimeter fence. In one instance, personnel assigned to the facility reportedly witnessed the escape, but the problem has yet to be resolved.

Cinco added that the presence of the two minors involved in the Tacloban school shooting has further heightened the community’s concerns, fearing they could also attempt to leave the facility if the security issues remain unaddressed.