Dismissal of Criminal Cases.
SEC. 28. Dismissal of Criminal Cases. — Upon the effectivity of this Act, criminal cases against children involved in armed conflict shall immediately be dismissed and the child shall be referred to the LSWDO. Such office, upon thorough assessment of the child, shall determine whether to release the child to the custody of the parents, or refer the child to prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programs as provided under this Act. Those with suspended sentences and undergoing rehabilitation at a youth rehabilitation center shall likewise be released: Provided, That the Family Court shall, in consultation with concerned agencies, determine and order the appropriate prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration programs the person shall undergo as provided under this Act.
Inventory of Custody of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict.
SEC. 29. Inventory of Custody of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict. - The AFP, PNP, BJMP, DSWD, NCIP, NCMF and the concerned LGUs are hereby directed to submit to the CWC, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, an inventory of all children in situations of armed conflict under their custody.
SEC. 30. Children Who Reach the Age of Eighteen (18) Years Pending Court Proceedings or in Suspended Sentences. - In cases when a child with a pending case reaches the age of eighteen (18) years, the Family Court shall dismiss the case against the person and determine, in consultation with concerned agencies, whether or not there is a need for the person to undergo appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration programs provided under this Act.
Those with suspended sentences and undergoing rehabilitation at a youth rehabilitation center shall likewise be released: Provided, That the Family Court shall, in consultation with concerned agencies, determine and order the appropriate rehabilitation and reintegration programs the person shall undergo as provided under this Act.
Children Who Have Been Convicted and are Serving Sentence.
SEC. 31. Children Who Have Been Convicted and are Serving Sentence. — Persons who have been convicted and are serving sentence at the time of the effectivity of this Act and who were below the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of the commission of the offense for which they were convicted, and are serving sentence, shall likewise benefit from the retroactive application of this Act. They shall be entitled to appropriate dispositions provided under this Act, and their sentences shall be adjusted accordingly. They shall be immediately released if they are so qualified under this Act or other applicable laws.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).
