By Maria Alanna D. Cargullo, Yedda Marie M. Arcenal, and Diana Chelsi C. Collado

Newly elected president Rodrigo Duterte divulged to the public through the media and the Philippine National Police (PNP) the nationwide curfew policy as early as third week of May.

As defined, curfew is a law or ordinance that forbids particular people from being outdoors in public places at certain time of the day.

In the Philippines, 18-year-olds and below are not allowed to loiter outside their houses from 10 pm to 4 am. In some cities and provinces, curfew is effective from 10 pm until 5 am.

During a press conference on May 16 in Davao City, Duterte said that the curfew for minors is mandatory. This policy aims to prevent and lessen the crime rate. According to PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), a total of 885, 445 crime volumes were reported from January to June 2015.

There has already been a big number of cases where minors have violated the curfew policy particularly in cities of Quezon, Pasay, Las Piñas, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Mandaue and Caloocan. According to some reports, an estimated of 46 minors were apprehended in Quezon City, 80 in Pasay City, 30 in Mandaluyong City, 70 in Las Piñas City, seven in Taguig City, and 19 in Pasig City during the month of May and June 2016.

Different ordinances were implemented in different cities. Manila Ordinance No. 8046 declares “the hours from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am of the following day as ‘Barangay Curfew Hours’ for children and youths 18 years of age,” prescribing penalties therefore; and for other purposes.

Also, it stated that “if offender is 15 years and under 18 years of age,” the sanction or penalty for the first offenders will be given a reprimand and admonition.

For the second offense, they are given a reprimand and admonition, together with a warning about the legal proceedings in case of a third and subsequent violation.

“For the third offense and subsequent offenses, imprisonment of one day to 10 days, or a fine of ₱ 2,000 or both at the discretion of the court, provided that the complaint shall be filed by the Punong Barangay with the office of the City prosecutor.”

On the other hand, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista approved the Quezon City Ordinance No. 2301 or the QC Discipline Hours for minors, where residents under 18-year-old are prohibited from loitering in public places from 10 pm to 5 am.

For first offense, a sanction of counseling and a fine of ₱ 2,000 or 48 hours of community service. For second offense, parents and guardians are required to attend two counseling seminars and a fine of ₱ 3,000 or render 72 hours of community service. While minors who will violate for a third offense will be turned over to the city social service development, provided that parents or guardians will face a fine of ₱ 5,000 or imprisonment of six months.

- With reports from Christiaan P. Cajocson and Rustom John B. Doon