Youth Group SPARK Strongly Opposes DILG's 'Safer Cities Initiative' in Metro Manila
The youth organization Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) has vehemently opposed the implementation of the 'Safer Cities Initiative' by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Metro Manila. According to Milo Basuel, the group's spokesperson, this initiative opens the door to potential power abuses and human rights violations by law enforcers.
Concerns Over Police Abuse and Profiling
SPARK highlighted the Philippine National Police's (PNP) clear track record of misusing laws, arguing that this policy could further empower them to profile and harass youth, whom Secretary Jonvic Remulla has referred to as 'geng-geng.' The group is also critical of the secretary's reasoning behind enforcing a 10 PM curfew for minors, claiming it arbitrarily restricts young people's rights to travel or engage in legitimate activities.
Issues with Youth Identification and Evidence
Additionally, SPARK pointed out that not all youth have immediate access to IDs to present to police or barangay tanods, especially out-of-school youth, unemployed individuals, or those working in the informal sector such as helpers, errand boys, and vendors. The group challenged Secretary Remulla to provide concrete evidence and thorough studies proving that juvenile curfews effectively reduce crime in Metro Manila. Without such proof, they argue, these initiatives are merely a shotgun approach that limits constitutional freedoms.
Warnings and Historical Context
SPARK also warned against other policies under the 'Safer Cities Initiative' that could endanger youth and ordinary citizens, noting the PNP's history of abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown. It is recalled that SPARK previously fought against curfew ordinances for minors, having filed a case against overreaching curfew policies in 2017 under the Duterte administration.
