In line with curfew: Radaza wants police to carry on taking minors out of streets

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza wants the police to continue their rescue operation on minors loitering around the city's streets in line with the curfew ordinance.

The recent operation of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-Women and Children Protection Desk wherein 30 minors were rescued, Radaza said, was the result of her recent meeting with the city police and barangays early this month.

"This is part of the Women's desk (LCPO-WCPD) in coordination with the barangays," she said, adding that she wants this kind of operation continued.

According to Senior Inspector Edith Patalinhug, LCPO-WCPD has been rescuing minors since June 3, implementing the city's curfew set at 11 in the evening.

Minors aged 14 to 17 were rescued and were eventually turned over to barangay councils for the protection of the children, said Patalinhug.

As for the students enrolled in night high schools, Radaza said she is in favor of setting their dismissal time to 8:30 p.m., instead of 9 p.m.

The mayor said though that she needs to review it first in coordination with Schools Superintendent Dr. Marilyn Andales.

Andales earlier said that when dismissed by 8:30 p.m., students would already be at their respective houses before the curfew hours.

At least seven barangays in the city offer night classes - Pajo Night High School, Pusok Night High School, Bankal Night High School, Poblacion Night High School, Babag Night High School as well as Gun-ob Night High School and Sudtunggan Night High School.

Andales also said that she will work hand-in-hand with the City Traffic Management Systems and with LCPO to make sure that students will arrive home safe.  (FREEMAN)