Curfew for minors reduces crime in Mandaue City

Keeping youths off the streets at night has helped reduce the volume of crimes involving minors in Mandaue City.

Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, director of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), said strict implementation of the city ordinance of the Children Protective Care System has helped in the campaign to reduce crimes involving minors.

Gillamac said Mandaue police, along with barangay tanods and social workers, started implementing the ordinance last April.

Children below 18 years old are prohibited from loitering in public places from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless they are accompanied by adults.

Offenders get a reprimand for the first offense then a P200 fine, and a P500 fine with one day community service for repeat offenses.

In the last six months this year, the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) recorded 11 incidents involving minors.

In 2010, there were 110 incidents involving minors with 49 of them referred to the City Social Welfare Services.

These incidents led to the filing of 32 cases; 23 were settled out of court.

In 2009, WCPD tallied 65 cases involving minors.

Twenty-four children were referred to social workers, 27 cases were settled and 14 cases were filed in court.