Curfew for minors imposed in Taguig

If you’re 18 years old or younger and a resident of Taguig, better be sure you’re off the streets from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. or be forced to undergo counseling.

Mayor Sigfrido "Freddie" Tinga has approved a directive to strictly impose the Curfew Hours Ordinance, passed by the town council more than two years ago.

The ordinance prohibits minors from loitering in the streets, in stores, bars, plazas, basketball courts, recreational halls like billiard or pool rooms, and other public places unaccompanied by an adult during the ungodly hours.

Violators face a stiff punishment: attend a two-hour counseling conducted by an elected barangay official for the first offense; render four hours of community service for the second offense, and eight hours of community service plus a fine of P1,000 for the third offense.

The ordinance was enacted by the Taguig Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC).

Taguig residents have been complaining of vandalism, gang wars, drug-related violence, and petty crimes involving minors, the statement from the mayor’s office said.

Tinga formed the Taguig Curfew Joint Patrol (TCJP) to supervise the barangays in the implementation of the ordinance as well as monitor the town’s streets.

On Monday night, the TCJP rounded up 31 minors, including two females, while patrolling the length of M.L. Quezon Street in barangays Hagonoy, Lower Bicutan, and Bagumbayan. The minors were brought to their respective barangays for counseling and later turned over to their parents. – Nikko Dizon