BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The city government has started its more stringent enforcement of the curfew for minors ordinance following the death of a 16-year-old boy during a brawl in the City Proper district early morning on Sunday, Oct. 15.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued on Tuesday, Oct. 17, Memorandum Order No. 279 for the strict implementation of the curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“There is a concerning rise in the incidents of chaos and disturbances involving minors within Iloilo City. In light of this situation, the undersigned deems it is necessary to reinforce the strict implementation the ordinance”, read part of the memorandum order.
The order further stated it is important to prioritize the safety and welfare of minors, and maintain peace and order in the city.
“Public cooperation is requested to ensure the safety of everyone,” added Treñas.
On Tuesday night, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office, also led the saturation drive around the city to ensure that no minors are wandering and loitering beyond 10 p.m.
Prior to this, a recorida was held at the ICPO ground.
CSWDO head Teresa Gelogo said the event aims to spread awareness regarding the city ordinances and to also convince parents to be more responsible of their children.
Aside from children in conflict with the law, they also target the Aetas and Badjaos.
“So upod ang aton nga partners, sige-sige kita nga galibot sa city kag indi lang minors ang aton nga target diri. Tanan nga mga problema sa syudad, dala na da ang mga Badjao, mga mentally-ill kag mga Aetas nga nagalibot,” she added.
The city mayor also urged other concerned offices and force multipliers to report any incident or violation of the curfew ordinance.
To recall, Mikee and six other minors were having a drinking spree along the seawall in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala, Zone 1, City Proper around 12:10 a.m. on Oct. 15 when a group of 15 individuals approached them.
An altercation began when a member of the larger group allegedly threw an empty bottle, escalating tensions between the two groups.
An unidentified man, who was later identified as Senior Master Sergeant Rodrigo Zerrudo Jr., drew a firearm and shot the Mikee.
Police Captain Roque Gimeno III, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 1, said Zerrudo and two other minors are facing homicide charges before the City Prosecutor’s Office./PN
