The city government of Puerto Princesa will not suspend the curfew hours amidst the ongoing Batang Pinoy 2019 National Championship.
Mayor Lucilo Bayron said Sunday there are no grounds for suspension since the young athletes are being monitored by their coaches and guardians.
“Hindi naman ‘yan maaapektuhan kasi ‘yong curfew naman ay para sa mga kabataan na nasa labas pa ng walang kasama. Sigurado naman na may bantay ‘yong bawat athletes at may kanya-kanyang monitoring system kaya di naman ‘yan magiging problema,” Bayron said.
The city government’s strict implementation of the 10 p.m. curfew for minors is mandated by Section 3 of City Ordinance No. 544.
The ordinance provides that in the first offense, the minor will be kept within the premises of the police station under the care of social welfare personnel until a guardian or parent fetches them.
The ordinance also said that unless there is a valid reason for further detention into another confinement area, the minor must be released not later than 2 p.m. of the same day he was taken into custody.
For the second and subsequent violations, an imprisonment of three to five days or a monetary penalty of P300 to P600 shall be imposed for each violation depending upon court’s discretion.
“Wala naman ng rason para hindi matuloy [ang curfew], tingin ko naman hindi na maaapektuhan ang curfew ng city dahil sa batang pinoy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) chief P/Col. Marion Balonglong said they are also conducting a city-wide Synchronized Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) to address concerns about criminality involving the youth.
“Matagal na nating ini-implement ‘yan. Kagabi nagkaroon ng magandang resulta. It was participated not only by the PPCPO but also by the local government and most especially the City Anti-Crime Task Force (ACTF) led by CIO Richard Ligad,” he said.
