Mandaue pushes for stricter measures for minors

CEBU, Philippines — The increasing number of minors repeatedly apprehended for curfew and vandalism violations has prompted the Mandaue City Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) to push for stricter measures, including the possible imposition of fines and stronger sanctions on both offenders and their parents.

In an interview, Councilor Jennifer Del Mar said the city’s current ordinances are no longer serving as effective deterrents, as many minors have become accustomed to being apprehended and subsequently released after being turned over to their respective barangays.

She noted that some minors have already been apprehended multiple times, with some reaching their seventh or even 10th offense.

Del Mar added that the current situation has also affected the morale of law enforcers.

“Dili sad gyud unta ingon ana kay lisod pud baya ang trabaho nila. With that, we will find ways and means kung asa ta dapit maka-help pud,” she said, emphasizing the city’s intent to support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in enforcing local regulations.

The councilor also pointed out that some parents fail to take the matter seriously, contributing to the recurring violations among minors.

Because of these concerns, the LCPC is now seeking amendments to the city’s existing curfew and vandalism ordinances to strengthen accountability and improve compliance.

Under the current Mandaue City curfew ordinance, minors below 18 years old are prohibited from loitering in public places from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Violators are apprehended and turned over to authorities and their parents or guardians.

The ordinance primarily focuses on corrective interventions rather than imposing substantial penalties.

For vandalism-related offenses, Del Mar said existing city regulations mainly impose penalties on adult offenders, leaving limited accountability mechanisms for minors involved in similar acts.

“If we will impose fine with curfew, it might boomerang to vandalism,” she said.

The proposed amendments were discussed during the LCPC meeting on June 4, where members agreed to craft and endorse a resolution to the Mandaue City Council seeking revisions to the existing ordinances.

The LCPC is composed of representatives from various sectors, including the Mayor’s Office, City Social Welfare Services, the PNP, Non-Government Organizations, and other stakeholders involved in child welfare and protection.

According to Del Mar, one of the ordinances being reviewed as a possible reference is the curfew ordinance of Lapu-Lapu City, particularly Ordinance No. 179-2009.

However, she emphasized that any proposed amendments will undergo careful legal review to ensure they comply with existing laws and regulations.

“There are suggestions for the amendments, but we will look at it first so we can ensure that we are not violating laws as well,” she said.

Among the proposals being considered is the imposition of fines ranging from ?3,000 to ?5,000 on violators or their parents, although Del Mar clarified that discussions are still ongoing.

Before any amendments are finalized, Del Mar said she intends to conduct a public hearing to gather feedback from residents and affected sectors.

“Sa LCPC approved na siya nga resolution, but I want to make it proper so perhaps, we would also love to hear from Mandauehanons kung unsa ilang view on this," she said. “This is supposed to be a joint effort and responsibility.”

The public hearing has yet to be scheduled, but Del Mar said she hopes it can be conducted before the end of June.

She also plans to consult Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano regarding the proposed amendments before they are elevated to the appropriate committee of the City Council.

Meanwhile, some child welfare advocates have expressed reservations about adopting provisions from the Lapu-Lapu ordinance, particularly those involving financial penalties.

In a separate interview, Gilmar Obiso, a representative of the Peer Support Group of Bidlisiw Foundation Inc., said he supports amending the ordinance but believes the proposed sanctions should undergo extensive deliberation.

“Uyon ko nga i-amend ang ordinance, but the penalties should be under scrutiny and deliberation,” Obiso said.

He stressed that any amendment should be based on consultations with affected sectors, members of the LCPC, and the general public.

For Del Mar, the primary objective remains the protection of children. “We want to make sure that in our city, children are well protected,” she said.

The councilor maintained that while stricter measures are being considered, the city’s goal is not merely to punish violators but to ensure the safety and welfare of Mandaue’s youth and encourage greater responsibility. — Daniela Casas, CNU Intern/VAB (FREEMAN)