Mandaue City Implements Stricter Curfew and Vandalism Ordinance Revisions to Address Youth-Related Incidents
In response to a significant increase in vandalism cases and disturbances involving minors, officials in Mandaue City have announced the strict enforcement of a curfew from 11 PM to 4 AM. This measure is accompanied by amendments to local ordinances and enhanced coordination with law enforcement agencies to tackle the growing issue.
Mayor Ouano Highlights Collaborative Efforts with Police
Mayor Thadeo "Jonkie" Ouano stated in an interview that he has discussed the situation with Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Director Col. Cirilo Acosta Jr. The mayor emphasized that rigorous monitoring and a strong police presence on the streets will continue as part of the city's strategy to curb these incidents.
According to Ouano, this action is a direct result of recent spikes in vandalism cases across the city. He cited specific incidents in Barangay Banilad and Mantuyong during early February, where young individuals were involved in altercations, underscoring the need for immediate intervention.
Call for Ordinance Amendments and Community Involvement
The mayor has called for amendments to the vandalism and curfew ordinances to effectively resolve the problem and maintain the city's cleanliness and order. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Ouano remarked. "So we are taking it slowly. Strict curfew enforcement, tight monitoring, and police presence. We hope to minimize these issues and gradually clean up the city," he added.
Councilor Jennifer Del Mar confirmed that a resolution has been issued for the strict implementation of the curfew ordinance. This move addresses complaints about minors loitering in public places late at night and crimes involving youth, aiming to enhance public safety.
Expanding the Scope of Vandalism Concerns
Del Mar explained that vandalism is not limited to Barangay Opao. She highlighted recent cases where a compactor truck, skywalks, and buses were vandalized, noting that such acts damage public infrastructure and must be stopped promptly to prevent further harm.
Proposed Penalties and Legal Considerations
Under the suggested amendments to the vandalism ordinance, individuals aged 15 to 18 will face community service penalties, while their parents will be held responsible for damages or payments. For those under 15, parents will incur fines based on the severity of the offense. Officials are currently reviewing whether there is a solid legal basis for imposing penalties on minors in these age groups to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Police and Social Services Collaboration
MCPO spokesperson Col. Mercy Villaro-Kantuna reported that Col. Acosta has already issued directives to all station commanders and the city mobile force to enforce the ordinance strictly. Law enforcement has coordinated with barangays and the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) to ensure that minors found in public areas during curfew hours are rescued in the presence of social workers, prioritizing their welfare and safety.
