Filipinos have welcomed Antipolo City’s implementation of a “pandemic-style” curfew for minors to ensure their safety.
Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares announced on Thursday, July 31, that the city will strictly enforce curfew hours for individuals aged 17 and below starting August 1.
He said the curfew was previously implemented at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the lockdown.
Under Antipolo’s City Ordinance No. 2017-818, minors will not be allowed to hang out or stay in public places from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., unless they have legitimate reasons.
Parents and guardians are also prohibited from knowingly allowing or neglecting violations of the city ordinance.
First-time offenders will be brought to the nearest barangay hall or police station and will undergo counseling by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.
The minor’s parent or guardian will also be required to render at least 48 hours of community service or pay a fine of P2,000.
Filipinos welcomed the city’s initiative and supported the strict enforcement of curfew hours for minors.
“Sana tuloy tuloy na, lalo sa Francia [hanggang] Blue Mountain, nakakatakot mga kabataan, natambay,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Tama ‘yan, [kasi] daming tambay,” another said.
“Oks na oks ‘yan… sana lang Hindi NINGAS KUGON… Dito sa Cogeo, napakaraming pasaway. ‘Pag pinagsabihan, galit pa… ‘pag may dumadaang barangay or pulis, magtatakbuhan lang… paglampas, magtatawanan pa… mangangalampag ng mga gate tapos, sabay takbo… tuwang-tuwa sa mga kalokohan nila,” another Pinoy said.
“This is gooood! Para din sa welfare ng mga minors ‘to,” a different Facebook user commented.
The city ordinance states that “the promotion of juvenile safety and prevention of juvenile crime inarguably serves the interest of public safety.”
It added that “curfew ordinances are but examples of legal restrictions designed to aid parents in their role of promoting their children’s well-being.”
The ordinance further noted that “restriction on the minor’s movement and activities within the confines of their residences and their immediate vicinity during curfew period is perceived to reduce the probability of the minor becoming victims of or getting involved in crimes and criminal activities.”
