Nationwide curfew, liquor ban eyed

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is bent on implementing curfew for minors as soon as he assumes office on June 30.

Duterte is also looking at implementing a nationwide liquor ban from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

He said the curfew aims to protect minors from criminals, especially at night.

“The curfew is meant to protect the children from dangers and not to harm them,” Duterte said during yesterday’s flag-raising ceremony at the Davao City Hall, his last as city mayor.

Duterte said he would make sure that parents of children rounded up in the streets are taken into police custody for abandonment.

He shrugged off the stand of certain sectors that the curfew for minors would violate the rights of children.

Duterte said he would be harsh against those who harm children, especially those engaged in illegal drugs.

“Do not destroy the youth because I will kill you,” he said.

Duterte campaigned on a promised to solve crime and illegal drugs within six months.

“If I said it during the campaign, I will do it. I am just consistent with the promises I made,” he said.