Manila Mayor Lim orders strict observance of curfew for minors on Manila

MANILA – Alarmed by the increase in crimes involving youngsters, especially at night, the mayor of Manila ordered the strict implementation of an ordinance which imposes a curfew on minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

To achieve this, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim said that aside from the police and social welfare officials, he also authorized “barangay” (village) captains as well as “tanods” (volunteer watchmen) to apprehend violators of the ordinance.

“We have to ensure the enforcement of stringent measures to protect the youth against falling into the wrong company of friends,” said Lim, a former decorated police officer known for his tough stand against crime.

In his order, Lim emphasized the urgent need for the strict implementation of the ordinance in areas where there are high incidences of gang wars and riots involving youngsters.

He also expressed grave concern over the alarming increase of crimes and violence involving minors during the late evening and the wee hours of the morning.

Lim cited police reports of instances in which  gangs of minors would open the unlocked doors of cars and taxicabs which stopped at the traffic red lights,  grab the handbags or valuables like necklaces or watches from the occupants and then flee.

In other instances, vegetable dealers, particularly those coming from the Cordillera Administration Region in the Northern Luzon highlands, complained to the police that youngsters would board their fully-loaded and slow-moving vehicles, slash the covering tarpaulins with knives in order to steal their products.

Police reported of many other instances in which youngsters commit crimes or engage in gang wars or rumbles while under the influence of drugs.

Under the ordinance, minors are not allowed to loiter outside their homes from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day but with certain exceptions: that they be accompanied by their parents or guardians running lawful errands.

These include buying medicines from the neighborhood drug stories, or using telecommunication facilities for emergencies; night school students; and those who, because of their employment, are required to stay outside their residences after 10 p.m. such as in 24-hour fast food establishments.

Lim emphasized, however, that night workers or students taking up night classes should have proper documentation from the village officials concerned, which they must present to show they are exempt from the curfew for minors.

The mayor said first-time offenders will be reprimanded while their parents will be given a warning. Another reprimand will be imposed for the second offense, with a warning of dire consequences of a third offense.

According to Lim, third time offenders will be punished with an imprisonment of from one to 10 days or a fine equivalent to $40 or both, depending on the discretion of the courts.

But the ordinance also provides that complaints against third-time offenders should first be filed with the barangay chief or the office of the city prosecutor, Lim pointed out.

He added minors arrested for violation of the curfew 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.

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