Duterte to have parents arrested for minors breaking curfew

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Parents will be held directly accountable for the actions of their children, presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

Duterte, during a televised press conference in Davao City, reiterated that curfew for minors will be mandatory under his watch.

“The police should not arrest minors. They do not have the discernment of what they are doing out there,” he said.

“Arrest the parents instead.”

It is not the first time that Duterte said this. On Sunday, he told reporters in Davao City that he would implement the 10 p.m. curfew nationwide.

READ: Duterte to arrest parents who allow kids on streets after 10 p.m.

Duterte, during the press briefing, said the village chair will be tasked to coordinate with the police in identifying and arresting the parents.

“Pag hindi nila ‘to kaya, sabihin ko sa barangay captain, ‘Be ready to face charges of neglect of duties. Or simply you are not working, in which case I will suspend you,’” he said. “Wala tayong pakiusapan d’yan.”

(If they aren’t able to do this, I’ll tell the village captain, “Be ready to face charges of neglect of duties. Or simply you are not working, in which case I will suspend you.” No more bargaining.)

The tough-talking mayor said the rule will apply to everyone, regardless if they are his supporters.

READ: Duterte camp clarifies: Curfew for minors, liquor ban in public places

He said parents should be “legally held responsible” and should be charged for “abandonment of minors, putting the lives of minors in jeopardy.”

“I’m sure I can hold you or detain you for so many hours,” he warned erring parents. JE/rga

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