DOJ backs nationwide curfew proposal for minors

An official of the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed support yesterday for the imposition of a nationwide curfew for minors to protect them from criminal elements.

DOJ Undersecretary Merceditas Gutierrez said times have become especially dangerous due to the proliferation of illegal drugs.

Even the most remote barangays have been penetrated by drug dealers and pushers, according to police and military reports.

"The curfew will help in protecting the minors because most crimes happen at night. I’m sure parents will support that. I personally do not want young people roaming around the streets when it’s already late. We can no longer be certain of their safety because of illegal drugs," Gutierrez said.

There have been debates about the measure but Gutierrez pointed out the public should only be assured of a proper manner of apprehending minors violating the curfew.

She said the government can always quell abuses in imposing rules and regulations and thus fears of stepping on the right of minors can be addressed by a campaign on the advantages of a curfew.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. has likewise backed the plan to implement curfew hours for minors in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, saying the scheme would greatly reduce incidents of street crimes.

He urged city and municipal mayors to seriously consider imposing curfew in their respective localities to prevent criminal elements from plying their illegal activities at night.

In calling all city and municipal mayors outside Metro Manila to impose their respective curfew hours for minors, Lina said this could be done through an ordinance passed by their respective local councils.

"There is great wisdom in the imposition of curfew not only in Metro Manila but also nationwide as this would greatly help the police in stopping the growing number of street crimes, but this should be imposed only on minors," Lina said.

The police proposed the implementation of curfew in Metro Manila but mayors have yet to decide on the mater due to disagreements on certain provisions, particularly on the time the measure is to be imposed.