The Manila city government resumed the implementation of its curfew for minors on Thursday night, with authorities apprehending over 90 minors for violating the ordinance, according to the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW).
The curfew, which runs from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., is being enforced once again under City Ordinance No. 8547, backed by Executive Order No. 2 recently signed by Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso.
The directive prohibits individuals under 18 years old from loitering in public places during curfew hours.
In an interview with Dos Por Dos, Head of the MDSW Jay Dela Fuente said that the implementation began citywide on Thursday evening with the help of the Manila Police District (MPD) and barangay officials.
“Base po sa order ni Mayor Isko Moreno, ipatupad ang EO no. 2 base po sa Ordinance No. 8547 po [curfew sa minors]. Araw-araw po iyan kasama po ang weekend. Kasama po natin ang Manila Police District,” said Dela Fuente.
Dela Fuente noted that the city’s district centers are now open 24/7 to process minors caught violating the ordinance.
“Kagabi po sinimulan na namin ‘yan dito sa lahat ng distrito, at gusto ko rin po sana ipaalam na itong mga district center office natin bukas na po 24 oras. Kung saan po namin dinadala o pinoproseso yung mga nagbaviolate na mga menor de edad sa nasabing ordinansa," he stated.
He emphasized that while minors are not detained, they are taken to staging areas for proper documentation and questioning.
“Hindi po natin sila pwede ikulong dahil menor de edad ang mga ito, nirerespeto po natin ang karapatan nila,“ he stressed.
“Gumagawa kami ng paraan para ipatawag ang magulang nila, kinakausap po namin, pinapaliwanag namin yung partikular na ordinansa... at after po gagawa sila ng undertaking o isang salaysay na nangangako sila na magiging responsable na sa magiging anak nila,” he added.
He further explained that if no parent or guardian is available to claim the minor, the child will be turned over to Manila Boys' Town Complex.
“Kapag walang magulang si minor, kami na po ang kukuha ng custody ng bata at dadalhin po namin sa Manila Boys' Town Complex habang wala pong nagke-claim na lehitimong magulang," said Dela Fuente.
However, to prevent minors from evading the ordinance, authorities verify their age using IDs or, when in doubt, through dental aging.
“In case of doubt, sa tingin namin alanganin kami doon sa edad ng bata then we will conduct an immediately dental aging, para madetermine natin kung menor de edad o hindi."
Social workers are assigned to approach the minors, while the police provide assistance to ensure safety and order.
Dela Fuente clarified that barangay officials are also authorized to apprehend curfew violators within their jurisdictions, as stipulated in the executive order.
“Base sa executive order No.2, nilagdaan po ni Mayor Isko ang lahat po ng barangay ay mayroon po silang karapatan na sumita ng mga menor de edad... at pwede nilang dalhin sa barangay nila at doon mismo ipatawag nila ang mga magulang," he said.
Moreover, he revealed that repeat violators face stricter consequences. While minors are not penalized, parents or guardians are subject to escalating fines and possible imprisonment.
Under the provisions of Ordinances 8487 and 8243, the first offense carries a fine of P2,000, the second offense P3,000, and the third offense P5,000, with the possibility of jail time accompanying repeated violations.
Dela Fuente added that minors caught three times for curfew violations will be turned over to Boys’ Town, where they can only be released upon a legal claim by their parent or guardian.
Meanwhile, businesses may also face sanctions if they fail to comply.
“Nagpunta na rin kami sa mga establishment katulad ng mga kainan... dapat nagpapaskil sila don ‘minors not allowed’ lalo na kung 10:00 pm onwards. Pwede natin silang i-rekomenda na kanselahin yung permiso nila,” he suggested.
Authorities say the measure is part of the city’s effort to protect minors and instill accountability among parents and guardians.
