Minors still not allowed outside in Navotas amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — The 24-hour curfew for minors would remain in effect in Navotas even as the national government’s COVID-19 task force recommended easing age restrictions, Mayor Toby Tiangco said yesterday.

In a Facebook post, Tiangco said the city government has the local mandate to enforce City Ordinance No. 2020-33, which imposes a 24-hour curfew on minors during a pandemic.

Tiangco’s declaration follows a resolution by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases allowing people aged 15 to 65 to leave their houses while Metro Manila is under general community quarantine.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that despite the easing of age restrictions, it would still be up to the local government units to enforce their own curfew guidelines.

At least 115 minors were rescued for violating the 24-hour curfew in Navotas from Oct. 15 to 16, according to city hall.