BY LYNDIE DEFACTO
ILOILO City – Alarmed by a recent spate of violent incidents involving minors, the Iloilo City Council has approved a resolution urging heightened police visibility in public areas and stricter enforcement of the city’s curfew for minors.
The measure, proposed by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) city federation president Jelma Crystel Implica in her maiden privilege speech on Aug. 6, seeks to mobilize the city government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to patrol high-traffic areas such as plazas, school surroundings, malls, and other youth gathering spots.
The push comes in the wake of a stabbing involving a minor at Jaro Plaza and a 19-youth brawl in Mandurriao district on Aug. 3 — incidents that have stirred public concern over juvenile violence.
“The presence of law enforcement officers in high-traffic public areas can help reduce incidents and promote safety,” Implica said, stressing that visible policing could deter criminal behavior.
She also pressed for the strict implementation of the Curfew for Minors Ordinance, calling it essential in instilling discipline and preventing further trouble.
Curfew for Minors Ordinance prohibits youngsters below 18 years old from loitering in public spaces between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without a responsible adult.
Implica appealed for cooperation from all sectors, especially parents, in addressing the issue.
“I am calling on parents to walk with their children in the right direction and help mold them into responsible individuals,” she added./PN
