Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar has ordered police and barangay officials to enforce the city’s curfew ordinance, particularly on minors to ensure their protection and promote social order.
Aguilar’s directive came in the wake of rape incidents and killing of minors across Metro Manila.
“We must not compromise the welfare and safety of our children since it is our obligation as parents and public servants to protect them from any threat or harm,” the mayor said.
She instructed City Chief of Police, Senior Superintendent Marlon D. Balonglong, to intensify its enforcement of the ordinance in coordination with the City Social Welfare and Development Office to guarantee the safety of the children and minors.
Likewise, the mayor urged barangay officials to strengthen its drive against minors on the streets during the prescribe curfew hours, with caution to deal with them appropriately when accosting them.
Aguilar urged parents to cooperate with law enforcers and barangay officials in keeping order in the community by making sure that their children are in their homes after school and not on the streets, particularly between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., which is the curfew period.
“As a mother, my heart goes for children and minors being victimized or perpetrators of crimes themselves. I believe, these heinous incidents will not happen if we as parents and adults, as well as law enforcers, do our part in giving them love and guidance,” the mayor said.
The city ordinance is not meant to threaten the youths but aimed to protect them from falling prey to criminal elements and prevent them from committing the crime.
Under the curfew ordinance, minors found or caught on the streets or outside their homes are to escorted home and turn over to parents or guardian, or if no in the absence of adult at home, shall be allowed to stay at the Barangay Hall and released at 7 a.m. the following day. Repeated violators shall be referred to the CSWDO for counselling.
The measure, generally exempts cases like emergency; minors accompanied by parents or guardian; running errand under an adult’s instruction; or attending official school or religious events.
Students must present a valid school ID when asked for identification.
