CPPO: Keep minors home after dark

MANILA, Philippines —  The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between police, local government units (LGUs), and social welfare departments concerning minors.

This was after the recent incident in Lilo-an Town last Sunday where a group of youngsters were involved in a riot that resulted from gang conflict. Those hurt were brought to the hospital for treatment.

The Lilo-an Police Station apprehended 10 individuals and rescued three minors aged 16 and 17.

Last Wednesday, the suspects were subjected to inquest proceedings and charged with tumultuous affray and alarm and scandal.

CPPO director, Police Colonel Percival Zorilla, said that together with the police, the LGUs, Municipal Social Welfare & Development, and barangay officials should coordinate to stop stores from serving liquor to minors.

“Ang instruction sa atong Provincial Director directly sa atong chief of police (Lilo-an) is to coordinate with local officials in the area kay ang part and parcel ani nga atong gi-consider, those establishment nga nag-open, they are catering minors and also sa atoa pung LGU ug labi na sa atong social welfare para pud ang atong collaboration is di lang sa police tanan maggikan so with the other departments coming from LGU,” said CPPO Public Information Officer Police Major Windell Abellana.

CPPO also recommended to LGUs to enforce stricter policies on establishments and cancel the operating permit of an establishment that sells liquor to minors.

CPPO also highlighted the role of parents on this matter, urging them to ensure their children do not go out during the late hours.

“We are also calling sa ginikanan na help us nga ang mga bata labi na during late hours, dili na g’yud sila dapat sa gawas. Otherwise ang PNP with an evidence warrant would file cases against those parents,” said Abellana.

The CPPO said the incident should be a “wake-up call” not just to Liloan but to the other municipalities and cities in Cebu to have a pro-active approach and at the same time have stricter enforcement on the ordinances limiting minors’ activities during the late hours. – Jonna Villa (CEBU NEWS)