Kabankalan issues Ordinance on curfew for minors
The Ordinance 2008-006 issued by the city of Kabankalan took effect on July 1.
This Ordinance provides special protection for children by imposing curfew on minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning.
The city mayor has created a task force to assist in the implementation of this ordinance which includes the DSWD, chairman of the SP committees on peace and order and public safety, rules and good governance, social services, Phil. National police, the president of the SK federation, Liga Ng Mga Barangay Federation, a representative from the educational and religious sectors and NGOs involved in the family and children welfare.
The ordinance states that to avoid apprehension, minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian or responsible relative. They must produce a written authority from the parent, guardian or employer with the guardian or employer’s address, name, telephone or cell phone number and those out of their residence due to medical emergency.
The offenders will be detained in a holding center to be accompanied by a CSWD worker while their addresses are traced to inform their parents.
The penalties for violation are warning for first offense; community service of four hours for second offense; community service of six hours and an additional two hours for the 3rd and subsequent offenses.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod will pass a resolution temporarily suspending the curfew hours but not to exceed seven days on the following occasions - Farmers Week, Charter Day, Sinulog Festival, brgy. Annual fiesta, or school activities.
Mayor Zayco said this Ordinance is issued by the city due to the increasing number of minors hooked on drugs, prostitution and other offenses. (Eddie M. Yap)