City Councilor wants curfew for minors imposed strictly

A resolution reiterating the request to all barangays in Puerto Princesa to post in visible areas within their respective jurisdiction the “salient features” of the ordinance perta “curfew for minors”, was pushed at the City Council Monday.

The resolution was authored by City Councilor Matthew Mendoza. He wanted the implementation of Ordinance No. 544 otherwise known as the Code of General Ordinances at the City of Puerto Princesa particularly Article 16 titled “Fixing Curfew Hours for Minors below 18 Years of Age and Imposing Penalties for its Violation”.

“Provisions of the City Ordinance No. 544, Article 16, Section 1 states that no minor, below 18 years of age shall roam around or loiter in public places or move about outside their residences between the hours of 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., without a curfew pass from the office of the City Mayor or unless accompanied by their parent or parents, responsible relative or guardians, or unless the minor, who is not a resident of the city is only passing through the city,” stated Mendoza in the draft of his resolution.

Mendoza also said in his proposed resolution that posting in conspicuous places the aforementioned sections of Article 16 of Ordinance 544 will remind the minors and their parents that roaming around the neighborhood from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. is prohibited and is punishable by law.

He also stated that this action will help ensure keeping the “future generation” away from bad influences.

He added keeping children from loitering outside their residences from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. may help avoid untoward incidents that may be inflicted to them by the adult members of the community.

“Posting of the salient features of the subject ordinance will help in effective and efficient implementation of said ordinance thereby achieving the maximum ends for the welfare of the community as a whole,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza also said stated under the section 3, minors who will be found violating the provisions during the first offense shall be taken into custody and kept within the premises of the police stations or under the care of City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

He said the minors in custody shall be released not later than 2 p.m. of the “same day following the day of the apprehension”.

However, Mendoza also added that under the same section, when valid or compelling reasons exist for further detentions, the minors will immediately be transferred to a confinement area.