Manila City arrests 34 ‘irresponsible’ parents

MANILA, Philippines — Manila City authorities have arrested 34 parents whose children were caught for violating quarantine protocols.

In a statement on Thursday, the Manila City government said the parents were arrested for neglecting their children, which is a violation of the Anti-Child Endangerment Act.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso earlier warned parents they would be arrested and jailed if they neglect their children and let them stray along the city’s streets.

“Kailangan matuto ang mga magulang na disiplinahin ang kanilang mga anak (Parents need to learn to discipline their children). I have to bite the bullet, I have to implement the law to keep the order in Manila,” Moreno said.

The city government has no choice but to intervene when parents allow their children to leave their homes without face masks and during curfew hours, he added.

“It is the job of the government to intervene to be able to take care of our minors and children,” he said.

The Manila Police District and Manila Department of Social Welfare said arrests of parents were made in Barangays 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 61, 221, and 228.

The arrested parents will be facing charges in violation of City Ordinance No. 8243 or the Anti-Child Endangerment Act.

KGA