ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – Authorities in Zamboanga City will begin implementing it’s recently enacted ordinance imposing a 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew for minors.
City Secretary Kenneth Vincent Baldua said City Ordinance No. 636, which took effect December 19, 2023, imposes a citywide curfew for all minors for their protection and safety.
The ordinance was crafted after city councilors expressed their concern over the increasing number of children wandering around the city, particularly in drive-thru establishments and gasoline stations, even as late as 11:00 p.m.
Beldua expressed concern for children as young as six years old who roam around the city streets at unholy hours of the night.
“We really need to push this ordinance to protect our children,” he added.
Vilma Pamalaran, a mother who resides in Zamboanga City, expressed her agreement to the imposition of curfew for minors.
“Mahalaga ang pagpapatupad ng curfew sa kabataan dahil mapapangalagaan nito ang kaligtasan ng mga menor de edad. Mabibigyan ng sapat na oras ang pag-aaral sa halip na paglalakwatsa,” she added.
(The enforcement of curfew for the youth is important because it ensures the safety of minors. It provides ample time for studying instead of wandering around.)
City Ordinance No. 636 prohibits children under 18 and those with physical or mental disabilities from loitering or staying outside their residences or public places from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. without justifiable reason or lawful purpose, ensuring the State acts as a parent to children.
The said ordinance is, however, subject to certain exceptions so as not to infringe on the recognized rights of minors to association, to peaceably assemble and freely express themselves, to freely exercise their religion, and to travel.
These exceptions include when they are physically accompanied by their parents, guardians or relatives who are of legal age. Students can only attend school activities with legal parental supervision, with valid school ID, on emergency errands, with authorized employment activities, and on official school, religious, educational activities sponsored by the city, barangay, or civic organization. (RVC/EDT/MLE/JQB-GIP PIA9-Zamboanga City)
