PHS completes 9-day campaign on drug and legal issues among youth

By: Justoria Maria Borja

Palau Koror— A nine-day awareness campaign led by the Department of Public Safety’s Juvenile Justice Division and Police Canine Team ended at the Palau High School Youth Center on August 15, 2024. The program aimed to educate students about the dangers of opioids, methamphetamines, and e-cigarettes, and inform them of their rights and responsibilities as minors.

Detective Lieutenant and Acting Chief Lebuu Gibbons discussed a range of topics including truancy, curfew laws and the legal rights of youth with Officers Benedict Kintaro and Ebil Isaac of the Juvenile Justice Division. The K-9 unit, led by Detective Lieutenant Anelize Emiliano and Officer Erungel Rdiall, conducted a drug detection demonstration, highlighting their ability to identify illegal e-cigarettes, which are banned in Palau.

Students were actively engaged in the program, with many praising the sessions. Kainan Mendiola, a 10th grader, found the sessions both engaging and informative. “The officers did a good job of keeping us engaged and making the information interesting. I was surprised to learn that there were only two officers manning the entire juvenile unit,” Mendiola said. He also stressed the importance of the curfew information, noting that only Airai, Koror and Beliliu have curfews from 9 or 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. “It was eye-opening to learn that if a child is found in a public place after 8 a.m. and suspected of skipping classes, the officers have the authority to remove them or question them,” he added.

The program also encourages students to seek help from the behavioral health department if they need support or guidance. The program emphasizes that this resource is an important tool for those facing personal challenges.

Since the program began, the outreach team has reached approximately 80% of Palau’s high school students. The program is part of the Juvenile Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and raise awareness among youth, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions and understanding legal protections.

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