LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY

LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ

Residents Perspectives and Experiences in Understanding

Youth Groups in Purok 8 Brgy. San Agustin

Castillejos Zambales

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Technical English 1

Quimeniano, Jeremy

Quinit, Kenn Jaspher

Pascual, Jeremy Carl

Pedro, Beverly Kaye

Torres, RoseAnne
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

Introduction

Youth gangs and organizations in the Philippines influence the lives of young individuals and the

communities they inhabit. While youth gangs, characterized by informal, often delinquent groups, are primarily

associated with crime and social instability, formal youth organizations aim to foster leadership, community

engagement, and personal development. This case study seeks to explore the multifaceted dynamics of youth

gangs and organizations in the Philippines, examining the reasons behind their formation, the potential

outcomes for their members, and their broader societal impacts.

The Philippines, with its diverse socio-economic landscape, faces considerable challenges in addressing

the needs and aspirations of its young population. In urban centers, such as Manila, youth gangs like the "Sigue-

Sigue" and "Bahala Na Gang" are emblematic of the socio-economic struggles faced by many Filipino families.

Gahar, R. B. (2020). .These gangs often arise from contexts of poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and

dysfunctional family environments, offering their members a sense of belonging and identity that they may not

find elsewhere. However, the involvement in such gangs frequently leads to adverse outcomes, including

criminal behavior, violence, and a lack of future opportunities.

According to Gahar Rudy B Gahar Philippine Investigation and Forensic Science Academy (PIFSA)

Paranaque City, Philippines (2020), upon birth, a child is bestowed his rights as a member of society, receiving

not only the love and affection of their natural parents but also the protection of the state. Children are

considered one of the most significant resources of a country. However, some children deviate from the

expected path and become involved in delinquent behavior, leading to their classification as children in conflict
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

with the law (CICL). This phenomenon poses a significant challenge to society, as these children often form

youth gangs, engaging in various criminal activities.

Gahar (2020) , youth gang involvement has adverse effects not only on the individuals involved but also

on their families, peers, and communities. The consequences of youth gang involvement can range from short-

term disruptions to long-term negative outcomes. Youth who join gangs are at an increased risk of dropping out

of school, becoming teenage parents, facing unemployment, experiencing victimization, abusing drugs and

alcohol, engaging in petty and violent crimes, and being convicted and incarcerated as juveniles. Moreover,

their involvement with gangs often leads to economic hardships and family problems in adulthood, further

perpetuating their involvement in criminal activities.

UCA News (2023), approximately 300 gang-related conflicts occur annually in the Philippines,

signaling a concerning trend of violence among teenagers. The recent tragic events at Culiat High School and

Juan Graciano High School in Manila have highlighted the prevalence of gang-related activities within

Philippine schools. The incidents, which resulted in the deaths of two students, have drawn attention to the

dangerous consequences of gang involvement among adolescents. In one case, Carlos Rivera, a 15-year-old

student, was fatally stabbed by a fellow student allegedly attempting to recruit him into a local gang. Similarly,

another student, aged 13, lost his life after being stabbed by his 15-year-old classmate, suspected to be a

member of a teen gang. The recruitment tactics employed by these gangs often involve coercion, bullying, and

violence, as highlighted by the tragic events at the two schools. Rivera's altercation with his assailant, Richard

Unson, reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over a sports tournament, illustrating the arbitrary and

senseless nature of gang violence in school settings. The Department of Education has responded to these
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

incidents by implementing heightened security measures in government schools to prevent further violence.

However, the prevalence of gang-related conflicts underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to address

the underlying issues contributing to youth gang involvement.

The report by Ghio Ong in The Philippine Star (2022), three individuals were apprehended for their

involvement in the killing of a 15-year-old boy during a gang-related altercation in Tondo, Manila. The

suspects, identified as Elan Crisostomo, John Andrey Villanueva, and Prince Jack Cabigao, were apprehended

by police officers from the Manila Police District’s Raxabago station. Crisostomo was allegedly affiliated with

the Commando crime gang, while Villanueva and Cabigao were said to be members of the Sputnik gang. The

incident occurred near Building 9 along Mel Lopez Boulevard, where the victim, whose identity was not

disclosed, was shot by the suspects. According to Lt. Col. Cenon Vargas Jr., the station commander of

Raxabago, the motive behind the attack was gang rivalry. Crisostomo and Villanueva claimed that they were

compelled to retaliate due to previous attacks on their group's members by the victim's group. During the

apprehension, the authorities seized two revolvers and a knife believed to have been used in the killing.

Understanding the formation, impact, and outcomes of youth involvement in these groups is critical.

Youth gangs typically form due to a combination of socio-economic factors, dysfunctional family environments,

peer influence, and the need for protection and security. Conversely, youth organizations attract members

through community engagement, skill development opportunities, and educational support.

This case study aims to delve into the residents' viewpoints and personal experiences concerning youth

groups in Purok 8. By gathering qualitative data through interviews, focus group discussions, and participant

observations, this study seeks to paint a comprehensive picture of the social fabric surrounding these youth
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

groups. It examines how these groups impact community life, their role in youth development, and the residents'

perceptions of both the positive and negative aspects associated with them.

Background of The Study

Understanding the dynamics of youth groups within communities is critical for fostering social cohesion

and addressing potential issues related to youth behavior and development. This case study focuses on Purok 8

in Barangay San Agustin, Castillejos, Zambales, exploring residents' perspectives and experiences regarding

local youth groups. Purok 8, a micro-community within the larger Barangay San Agustin, offers a unique setting

to examine how youth groups influence and are influenced by their immediate environment

Purok 8, located in the Castillejos, Zambales, represents a microcosm of rural and semi-urban life in the

Philippines. The community is characterized by a blend of residential areas and communal spaces where various

social, cultural, and economic activities converge. Within this setting, youth groups emerge as significant

entities, playing vital roles in both the development and the social fabric of the area. These groups are not only

spaces for socialization but also platforms for personal growth, skill development, and community engagement.

According to eyewitness Kagawad Randy Froma, on December 13, 2021, at 9:00 PM, a disturbing

incident occurred at Castillejos Park in Castillejos, Zambales. A group of youth gangs, comprising more than 20

individuals, launched an attack on four persons at the park's front. As a result of this violent altercation,

numerous nearby residents sustained injuries.

The accounts provided by the victims, Prinzel Besarra and Jack Andrada Fastidio, on December 13,

2021, at approximately 9:00 PM, they were targeted by a group of youths starting from the vicinity of Ramrod
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

Grocery Store. The youths stared at them and proceeded to follow them, culminating in an attack. Besarra and

Fastidio assert that the motive behind the attack was to assess the attackers' skills and prove their worthiness for

joining the gang. This disturbing incident highlights the dangerous dynamics of youth gang initiation rituals and

the potential for violence in such situations.This firsthand account highlights the prevalence of youth gang

violence and its detrimental impact on community safety. The incident underscores the urgent need for effective

measures to address gang-related activities and ensure the well-being of residents in Castillejos, Zambales.

The significance of studying youth groups in Purok 8 lies in the broader implications for community

development and social policies. Youth, being a substantial demographic, influence various aspects of

community life. Their behaviors, aspirations, and interactions reflect and shape the community's present and

future. Therefore, understanding their dynamics provides valuable insights into the broader social structure and

development needs of the area.

Youth groups are integral components of community life, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Understanding their dynamics is essential for fostering social cohesion and addressing potential issues related to

youth behavior and development. This case study focuses on Purok 8 in Barangay San Agustin, Castillejos,

Zambales, and explores residents' perspectives and experiences regarding local youth groups. Purok 8, a micro-

community within the larger Barangay San Agustin, offers a unique setting to examine how youth groups

influence and are influenced by their immediate environment.

Youth, being a substantial demographic, influence various aspects of community life. Their behaviors,

aspirations, and interactions reflect and shape the community's present and future. Therefore, understanding the

dynamics of youth groups in Purok 8 provides valuable insights into the broader social structure and
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

development needs of the area. This case study aims to delve into the residents' viewpoints and personal

experiences concerning youth groups in Purok 8. By gathering qualitative data through interviews, focus group

discussions, and participant observations, this study seeks to paint a comprehensive picture of the social fabric

surrounding these youth groups. It examines how these groups impact community life, their role in youth

development, and the residents' perceptions of both the positive and negative aspects associated with them.

Reference:
 LYCEUM OF SUBIC BAY
LOT 73 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, SBFZ
COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

1.Philippine youth gangs and delinquent an overview| International Journal of Innovative

2.Science and Research Technology (ijisrt.com)

3.Philippine student deaths raise alarm over teen gangs - UCA News

4.3 nabbed for killing teen in gang war | Philstar.com

5.What Causes Juvenile Delinquency in the Philippines? | BusinessMirror

6.legaldictionary.net/juvenile-delinquency/

7.Youth gang affiliation, violence, and criminal activities: A review of motivational,

risk, and protective factors - ScienceDirect

8. Adverse Effects | Youth.gov