MANILA, Philippines—More than 20 minors violating a curfew ordinance were arrested by authorities in what police described as an attempt to curb crimes, especially those perpetrated by minors, in Malabon City, from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.
The 27 boys and girls, whose ages ranged from 10 to 17 years old, were picked up by operatives of the police community precinct 4 along major thoroughfares and narrow alleys in Barangay (village) Tinajeros.
The arrests, which were made between 10 p.m. on Tuesday, and 4 a.m. on Wednesday, followed reports of the so-called “Hamog Boys” victimizing motorists in several parts of Metro Manila.
Members of the group, who are minors, steal from their victims by suddenly opening the doors and compartments of their vehicles while these are stuck in traffic.
Their sudden appearance have revived talks of amending the juvenile justice law, which exempts children aged 15 and below from any criminal liability.
Chief Inspector Monchito Lusterio, PCP 4 commander, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the massive operation was done in line with the local government’s Oplan Sagip Kalinga (Operation Save, Care).
“This is essentially to prevent gang fights and riots on the streets, which most of the time involve children,” Lusterio said.
He said that the arrests were also a way of deterring “jumper boys” in the area.
These minors, Lusterio explained, would jump on passing trucks, and steal whatever they could within their reach.
Upon their arrest, the minors were taken to the barangay hall where they were properly advised by authorities. They were picked up by their parents a few hours later, Lusterio said.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Cornelio Barrios, chief of police, told the Inquirer of their plan to mount more operations to get truant kids off the streets in the next few days.
He said that since January, around 700 minors have been arrested for violating the local curfew.