Velasco set to meet with Metro mayors next week

National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco is set to meet with 17 Metro Manila’s town and city mayors next week to solicit their support in the implementation of curfew among minors.

"By declaring curfew among minors, we do not only help the parents promote the value of studies on their children as they will have no more reason to go out in the wee hours but also discourage them to be involved in vices and other illegal activities," said Velasco.

The NCRPO chief emphasized that with the issuance of curfew ordinance by local government units (LGUs), enough safeguards will be imposed to ensure that there will be no room for abuse by law enforcers but some exemptions will be provided particularly to those involved in part-time jobs.

Stressing that crime prevention and keeping the peace and order are shared responsibility among all concerned, Velasco threw his full support to the earlier initiatives of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and Marikina City Mayor Ma. Lourdes Fernando imposing curfew hours for ages less than 18 years old and tapping barangay officials and tanods in the campaign.

"The effort of the Marikina and Manila local governments to implement peace and order in their respective jurisdiction particularly the imposition of curfew hours for minors have proven to be effective in their drive against street crimes," said Velasco. He said that crime incidents at night in the cities of Manila and Marikina have dropped significantly following the implementation of curfew for minors. He urged the rest of the city and municipal mayors to follow the lead of Manila and Marikina.

Pasay City Mayor Peewee Trinidad, spokesperson of the Metro Manila mayors said that majority of the towns and cities in the metropolis are already implementing curfew hours for minors. But he said that more than the curfew issue, police visibility is the best way to curb street crimes.

"He may just be asking for emphasis in the implementation," Trinidad said when asked to comment on Velasco’s appeal to local councils to pass local ordinances that would impose curfew on the youth aged 17 and below.

"Street crimes are difficult to eradicate especially in populated areas. Talagang may mangyayari diyan (Something has got to happen). But we can prevent these incidents if there are more policemen deployed in crime-prone areas," Trinidad said, adding, "We need more policemen (on beat patrol) as well as equipment like radios." The mayor said that lack of budget from the PNP is one of the reasons for the lack of policemen and equipment to help law enforcers perform their duties effectively.