Isko imposes curfew hours for minors

MANILA, Philippines —  Days after returning to the Manila city hall, Mayor Isko Moreno has ordered police and barangay officials to enforce “protection hours” or curfew for minors 18 years old and below.

Executive Order 2, which was signed by Moreno on Monday, set the curfew hours for minors from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., following the guidelines under Ordinances 8046, 8547 and 8182.

“Parents and guardians should remind their children to refrain from loitering in public places during the protection hours,” Moreno said.

He also ordered the Manila Police District to establish checkpoints as well as intensify visibility and beat patrols to ensure public safety.

Moreno said he imposed the curfew after receiving reports of minors being involved in brawls and street fights, with some of them committing crimes such as theft and using illegal drugs.

Recognizing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, Moreno said the city would not impose penalty on minors caught violating the curfew hours.

“They will be brought to the barangay halls and will be released to their parents,” the mayor said.