Following president-elect Duterte’s proposed nationwide curfew for minors, Dagupan City is tasked to implement its long-standing ordinance imposing a curfew for minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day, Philippine Star reported.
Minor is legally defined as a person under the age of 18.
As stipulated in the City Ordinance 1771-2003,  parents, guardians, must put minors and students under their wing and require them to stay at home from 10 pm to 4 am. Failure to do so must be penalized. The ordinance also mandates the city, as a prime educational center of Northern Luzon, to ensure safety at all times.
The city believes that through the curfew policy, it protects the children’s interests and safety.
The author of the said ordinance, City Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, confirmed that Mayor Belen Fernandez has agreed to enforce the ordinance along with the coordination of the barangay officials.
Process of Curfew Ordinance
As mentioned in the article, the process of the ordinance will be like:
- The Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawads, and the appointed Barangay Tanods (village workers) are charged to keep the minors away from the streets beyond curfew
- Minors caught loitering during this time will be accompanied by barangay workers to their homes.
- If the minor was caught doing illegal acts, the minor will be brought to the police station for further investigation. (Source)
The personal data gathered of the minor caught under the ordinance shall remain confidential.
Meanwhile, the author of curfew ordinance has confirmed councilor’s approval in implementing the curfew as soon as possible.
So, do you think implementing curfew is enough to keep the minors away from illegal activities such as drugs and robbery?
