Garcia backs strict enforcement of curfew

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is strongly supporting the strict implementation of the curfew ordinance in the entire province.

Yesterday, the Cebu Provincial Board approved the resolution authored by Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura urging the local government units in the province through the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in coordination with the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) and its province-wide stations to strictly implement and enforce their curfew ordinance in their respective localities and political jurisdictions.

According to the governor, the problem on minors revolves around the Juvenile Justice System, which does not prevent them from perpetuating crimes.

“I am so in favor (of curfew) and I think all local government units are also in favor of that resolution because it could act as a preventive measure for the minors to be inside their house starting 10 p.m. until 5 in the morning,” she said.

The curfew ordinance on minors of every LGU in the province would definitely be a plus point to the continuing efforts of the Capitol as well as the local communities as to mold the youth into a law abiding and productive citizens of the country,” Garcia said.

Shimura said the ordinance does not exempt those who go out during events like basketball league and fiesta celebrations.

“The tough implementation is on the PNP and the enforcement of the barangay tanods and barangay officials in every municipality. Of course if there is an event, barangay officials would probably know that minors are attending together with their parents or friends,” he told The FREEMAN.

Garcia added that even the law-enforcement agencies are very much in favor of the curfew but still it is the parents’ task to see to it that their children are already home during nighttime.

The governor said that she will tackle the curfew issue during their coming Provincial Development Council Meeting together with the different mayors and vice mayors from different municipalities. (FREEMAN)