By: Eustoria Marie Borja
Koror, Palau—A 9-day awareness outreach, led by the Bureau of Public Safety’s Division of Juvenile Justice and the K-9 unit, concluded on August 15, 2024, at the Youth Center of Palau High School. The program aimed to educate students on the dangers of opioids, methamphetamine, and vaping, as well as inform them of their rights and responsibilities as minors.
Detective Lieutenant and Acting Chief Lebuu Gibbons, alongside Officers Benedict Kintaro and Ebil Isaac from the Division of Juvenile Justice, addressed a range of topics including truancy, curfew laws, and the legal rights of juveniles. The K-9 unit, led by Det. Lt. Anelize Emiliano and Officer Erungel Rdiall, conducted a drug detection demonstration, highlighting their ability to identify illegal vapes, which are banned in Palau.
Students actively participated in the program, with many expressing appreciation for the sessions. Kainan Mendiola, a tenth grader, found the sessions both engaging and informative. “The officers did a great job involving us and making the information interesting. I was surprised to learn that only two officers manage the entire juvenile division,” Mendiola said. He also emphasized the significance of curfew information, noting that only Airai, Koror, and Beliliou enforce curfews from around 9 or 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. “It was eye-opening to learn that if a child is seen out in public after 8 a.m. and suspected of skipping school, officers have the right to take them in or question them,” he added.
The program also encouraged students to seek help from the Behavioral Health Division if they ever needed support or guidance. This resource was emphasized as an important tool for those facing personal challenges.
Since the program began, the outreach team has engaged approximately 80% of Palau High School’s student population. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts within the Division of Juvenile Justice to combat drug use and raise awareness among youth, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions and understanding their legal protections.