MANILA, Philippines — Manileño parents who neglect their children and let them stray along the city’s streets may face jail time soon.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno on Monday ordered the jailing of “irresponsible parents” as he noted that many minors have been recently apprehended for violating the city’s curfew and strict health protocols.
“Let’s start jailing irresponsible parents. I don’t mind kung mapuno ang ating mga kulungan ng mga pabayang magulang dahil sa paglabag sa Ordinance No. 8243,” he said in a Facebook post.
“Hard time requires hard decision para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng COVID-19,” he added.
He pointed out that over 10,000 residents, most of them are minors, have been apprehended for violating strict health protocols such as wearing face masks in public and curfew.
A total of 1,039 were arrested for not wearing face masks while 9,367 were nabbed for violating curfew hours.
“Karamihan sa kanila ay minors (Most of them are minors),” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that 1,028 street dwellers have been rescued, according to the Manila Department of Social Welfare. Some of them even tested positive for the coronavirus after being rescued.
He said he has ordered the Manila Police District and the city’s social welfare department to start filing cases against neglectful parents.
“Sa mga magulang, maging responsable po tayo,” he said.