Curfew hours continues to be observed in Albay

The curfew system in the city of Legazpi that was implemented last 2006 continues to be observed and be strictly implemented to youth ranging from 18 and below. As well, the said city ordinance covers the raiding of internet shops during class hours, according to Women Child Protection Desk, Legazpi Police Station.

WCPD Chief Officer, Perla D. Lazarte of Legazpi Police Station (LPS) elaborated that curfew system was already implemented even before Duterte’s administration.

“Still nag start ining 2006 up to this time pigpapatupad mi pa man giraray. Kahit nung hindi pa nag tutukaw si President Duterte talagang piga implement ini sa Legazpi from 1 oclock na banggi to 4am.”

Moreover, PO2 Mary Rizza L. Abion, WCPD Investigator of Legazpi Police Station also stated that the said ordinance includes the raiding of Internet Shops during class hours only when they are tasked or “tapped” by the LGU and concerned office though the curfew hours is being observed at 10pm to 4am.

Lazarte also cited their actions in bara-baranggays,

“Before man kami mag duman sa mga internet shops nag bara-baranggay kami kasabay mi dyan ang PCI pig iinform mi sinda. Kasi kadakol nagrereklamo na magurang sa paghuhuna ninda su mga aki ninda nasa school yun pala nasa internet shop. Ngunyan ang kinauron mi na is yung ang tagsadiri na mismo na once may naglaog na mga minors duman sinda na mismo ma report sa police”

“Before we go to internet shops, we go to ever barangays along with PCI we inform them (barangays) Because many parents are complaining that they thought their children are in school but were just inside the internet shops. Now, we talked to the internet shop owners that once there are minors they will directly report it to the police

Lazarte also said, there were still no reports from internet shop owners.

ROLE OF CSWD

Meanwhile, The apprehended minors on Violation of Curfew hours will be turned over to City Social Welfare Development (CSWD) where the minors will be counseled and parents are required pick their children afterwards. One of the major roles of CSWD is to guide the minors and violators through counselling for proper disposition and intervention.

Lazarte expressed, “Hindi sinda pwede i-release kang ano duman sa parents or guardian na dae sinda nag agi ki counselling, automatic yan may counselling an”

Recently, Due to the strict implementation of the Duterte administration there are already 20 minors who violated the curfew system last June 2016 compared to May of the same year where only 1 minor was caught violating the said ordinance. All barangays here in Legazpi are being observed under the said ordinance.

Furthermore, PO2 Abion of the Legazpi Police Station, head of the curfew system shared that she strongly agrees on the strict implementation of the curfew ordinance in this city.

“Yes, I strongly agree on the implementation of curfew ordinance in this city for it helps in the prevention for the minors to roam around in the evening and be involved in any incidents be it as a victim or an offender.”

PEOPLE’S REACTIONS

Various reactions tilted when asked regarding the strict implementation of the Curfew here in Legazpi.

According to Diana Mae Soberano a student of Bicol University taking up Nursing,

“My reaction po sa implementation ng curfew is positive kasi nowadays crime is rampant in our country so parang through curfew malelessen po yung mga crimes kasi especially ngayon mga menor de edad po ang usually nagiging biktima ng crimes. Ok naman po ako dun. Yun lang. “

An anonymous security guard also said that

“Ang curfew para yan sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan para maiswasan ang mga bisyo lalo na ang mga kabataan na adik sa drugs. Maiiwasan na ang mga estudyanteng nagddrugs , maaga na umuwi, maiwasan nilang uminom, magbulakbol sa daan. Para mabawasan ang krimen.”

“Pumapayag kami na may curfew dahil mawala na ang mga kaguluhan gabi-gabi… Hindi naman kami lumalabas. Minsan natatakot rin kami kasi may curfew na.” Said by a certain Joseph from Victory Village.

Moreover, the implementation of the curfew is part of the present administration's campaign in fighting for crimes and accidents