Curfew for minors: Strict implementation done in two Lapu-Lapu barangays

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the plan of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte to implement a nationwide curfew for minors, Lapu-Lapu City already has two barangays which have reportedly been carrying out the same plan.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said the officials of Barangays Pajo and Basak have been hands-on in keeping minors out from the streets until the wee hours of the morning, following the city's existing ordinance.

"We have an existing ordinance. Barangay Pajo and Basak keeps implementing the city's ordinance," Radaza said.

The existing ordinance, called the "Curfew Ordinance for Minors," was approved in March 2009 sponsored by City Councilors Efren Herrera and Alexander Gestopa, under the administration of then mayor Arturo Radaza.

According to the ordinance, all young individuals aged 18 and below, are not allowed to wander, loiter or saunter in public places such as beach, disco pubs, karaoke bars as well as in wharfs and in public market from 11 p.m. to 5 in the morning.

If the minors are caught by the roving police or barangay peacekeeping officers within the curfew hours, they will be taken into custody by the nearest police station or barangay hall or will be sent home.

The ordinance also states that if a certain minor will not be picked up by their parents in the barangay hall or in police stations, they will be sent to the City Social Welfare Services or in Baranagay Council for the Protection of Children.

Radaza, who is concerned over minors used in crimes, plans to issue a memorandum to the Association of the Barangay Captains and to the barangay leaders in order to review the city's ordinance.

"They (mga bata) are being used… nagplano ko mo-issue ko sa ABC ug through sa barangay captains, touching the ordinansa sa siyudad. I think we just have to exercise the mandate of our city ordinances," she said.

In applying the city's ordinance, Pajo Barangay Captain Junard Chan said they conduct patrols every night to ensure the street is clear from wandering minors.

"Nag-follow mi sa city ordinance. Tungod kay nakita nato na mga menor de edad maoy gigamit sa mga krimen. Naa sad mi foot patrol in coordination sa mga police," Chan said.

Chan added that at least two barangay tanods and police personnel check their streets every night.

"Naay daghan nadakpan nga mga minors. Ang uban managan kung duna silay nakit-an nga magblink-blink nga suga sa patrol padulong sa pikas barangay," Chan said.

For his part, Basak Barangay Captain Isabelito Darnayla said they have been rescuing children on the streets since 2010 in coordination with the Children's Legal Bureau.

He added that some children come from neighboring barangays while some of them are mostly in conflict with the law.

"Halos kada semana naa gyud tay ma-rescue sa mga bata. Naay usahay madakpan namo dili taga-amo nga barangay. Naay taga Pajac, naay taga-Agus naay taga Marigondon gani. Amo gyud nang gi-implement pirmi murag taud-taod na namo na gibuhat kay dako sad kaayo og natabang ba kay mahadlok ang mga kabatan-unan og curfew," Darnayla said.

He said parents of the rescued children coming from neighboring barangays undergo counseling. Darnayla added that he encourages other barangays to do the same because the city ordinance is a big help in the fight against juvenile-related crimes.

Meanwhile, Police Senior Superintendent Arnel Amor Libed, chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said he is in favor of imposing the curfew as it will help them in keeping the children safe.

"Malaking tulong sa police kung magtutulungan with barangay. Mababawasan ang street crime at mas ligtas na nasa bahay ang mga menor de edad lalo na sa gabi," said Libed.

Libed said that this issue will be discussed in their next City Peace and Order Council Meeting. — (FREEMAN)