DAVAO CITY - Eleven "children in conflict with the law," or minors who have committed criminal offenses, marked a milestone on Friday as they finished their respective school levels, signaling their reform from a delinquent past.
Of the group, five boys and two girls finished grade school, while four others finished junior high school.
Among the graduates is 14-year-old "Marco," who was involved in riots and was addicted to smoking.
"I'm very happy. I want to be an engineer. I want to find a job so I can have a good future," Marco told ABS-CBN News.
Aside from the 11 graduates, 39 other minors who were involved in riots, rugby sniffing and theft, were also recognized in the San Pedro Police Station's Help and Educate Project.
"We are helping them to have better lives... We are looking for sponsors and other donors who can fund the education of children in conflict with the law," said station Chief Inspector Ramil Macarampat.
Davao City Police office's Help and Educate project started in 2012.