ILOILO City – The Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is alarmed by the high number of youngsters “rescued” last month for violating the curfew ordinance for minors.
The ICPO uses the term “rescue” to mean the apprehension of these youngsters.
A total of 142 children were arrested last month, some “45 percent” of whom were caught in computer shops during curfew hours between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., according to Police Executive Master Sergeant Ruth Laudato of the WCPD.
“Once again we are appealing to the parents and guardians. Look after your children or wards, especially at night. Do not let them leave the house at night unless necessary,” Laudato said.
For her part, ICPO spokesperson, Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines said parents play a big role in the enforcement of the curfew ordinance for minors.
“Madamo ang gakalatabo if ara ang mga minors sa gua sang ila balay nga gab-i na. Isa sini ang tuna an sang inaway kag basi ma-engage pa sang kinawatay. Kag worse basi mag-try sila droga,”
Regulation Ordinance No. 2006-020 set the curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. of the following day. It held parents or guardians of erring minors liable for the curfew violations.
The parents may be imprisoned from 30 days to six months.
On the minor’s first curfew violation, the parents would get a “first warning” from the Task Force on Morals and Values Formation.
A “last warning” to would be issued to parents for their children’s second curfew violation, and a subpoena from the court for the third offense./PN
