Ebreo: A clear penal clause is needed

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, recently asked the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod to amend City Ordinance No. 331, otherwise known as the city’s curfew ordinance.

Based on BCPO records, from January 1 to 31 of this year, they have conducted 192 curfew patrols and have rescued 568 minors off the streets.

Ebreo pointed out, however, most of the violators were repeat offenders.

“Every single day, we are picking up the same kids all over again,” the BCPO chief said.

He said a clear penal clause must be implemented as the present ordinance states they cannot penalize the parents of violators and are limited to returning minors to their homes.

Ebreo recommended introducing community service or hefty fines to the parents for succeeding violators./DGB, WDJ