Minors rounded up by authorities for violating curfew ordinance
President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the Philippine National Police to apprehend minors who loiter in the streets amid the crackdown against persons violating local ordinances.
Citing the principle ‘parens patriae’ or parent of the country, the president says it is the government’s duty to protect the youth, which is why law enforcement agents must round up teenagers found loitering in the streets to keep them from getting involved in crime and illegal drugs.
The Chief Executive issued the order in his speech during the oath taking of newly elected northern Mindanao barangay captains in Cagayan de Oro.
But the president clarified that rounded up minors will be fed and brought to a safe place for the night before being released in the morning.
“You take them into custody not to arrest them, but for their own safety to protect them… We are removing the minors, take them into custody, tawagin mo ‘yang DSWD diyan, pati ‘yung barangay, you take care, ayan (you call the DSWD as well as the barangay to take care of them),” said Duterte.
The president also reiterated that he ordered the crackdown on street idlers to prevent crimes from escalating in the country.
He also reassured policemen of his support, telling them to brush aside criticisms and accusations of human rights violations. — Victor Cosare
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