Lim gets tough on city curfew Tina Santos Philippine Daily Inquirer
July 05, 2009
MANILA, Philippines—The local government of Manila has warned minors against loitering on city streets from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
This came after Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered the strict implementation of Ordinance 8046, the city’s curfew ordinance, to help prevent minors from getting involved in various crimes that occur at night.
Lim cited the need to relaunch a citywide implementation of the curfew hours following reports that several minors engage in crimes and violence during the late evening until the wee hours of the morning.
“We have to ensure the enforcement of stringent measures to protect the youth against falling into the wrong company of friends,” the mayor said, adding that close monitoring should be conducted especially in areas where there are high incidences of gang wars and riots involving youngsters.
Aside from the police and social welfare officials, barangay (village) officials and tanods (watchmen) are also authorized to apprehend violators of the curfew ordinance.
Under the ordinance, minors will not be allowed to loiter outside their homes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. period unless they are accompanied by their parents or legal guardians; running lawful errands such as buying medicines; using telecommunication facilities for emergency purposes; night school students and those who, by virtue of their employment, are required to stay outside their residence after 10 p.m. or those working at night.
Proper documentation
Proper documentation from the barangay, however, must be presented by those studying or working at night to prove the necessity for curfew exemption.
First-time violators will be reprimanded while their parents will be given a warning. Another reprimand will be imposed for the second offense, with a warning on the consequences of a third violation.
Third-time offenders, according to the ordinance, will be punished with an imprisonment of one to ten days or a fine of P2,000 or both, depending on the court’s discretion, provided that the complaint is filed with the barangay chief or the office of the city prosecutor.
According to Lim, minors apprehended for violation of the curfew hours will be taken to the Manila Youth Reception Center for proper processing and counseling before they are turned over to the custody of their parents or legal guardians.
