KALIBO, Aklan – Police urged owners and operators of internet cafés and computer rental shops in this capital town to follow the local ordinance prohibiting minors and students from entering their establishments during school hours.
Kalibo chief of police Superintendent Richard Mepania said they want to fully implement Municipal Ordinance No. 2012-025.
“Tulungan ninyo ang hanay ng kapulisan na makontrol ang ating mga kabataan,” Mepania said. “Naglalaro sila ng online games na dati ay naglalaro ng piko sa labas ng bahay. Sa ngayon, nasobrahan ang pagkalulong nila sa online games.”
Mepania added that his personnel will conduct regular inspections at internet cafés and computer shops in Kalibo.
Under the ordinance, students are not allowed to enter internet cafés and computer shops from 7:30 a.m to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
They can only be allowed to do so if their purpose in the shops is research, not online gaming and social networking.
“Maging strikto sana tayo sa mga minors at estudyante,” Mepania said.
Aside from the school hours, minors are also banned from entering the shops from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless they are accompanied by their parents or guardians.
“Nakakaalarma ang sitwasyon dahil sa dami ng minors sa internet shops sa mga ganitong oras. Last week na operasyon, may nahuli tayong apat na minors sa mga internet shops. Don’t tolerate minors inside the establishments,” stressed Mepania.
Shops violating the ordinance will be fined P1,500 in the first offense, P2,000 in second offense and P2,500 and revocation and non-renewal of the mayor’s permit in the third offense. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
