By JEN BAYLON

In a bid to curb criminal activities, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said they will strictly enforce a curfew for minors in the city.

According to Coronica, the city ordinance on curfew for minors has not been strictly implemented.

However, with his new directive, violators will no longer be tolerated.

The curfew for minors will start at 10:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 a.m.

Coronica emphasized that parents should take responsibility of their children’s whereabouts after 10:00 p.m.

He warned minors aged 15 and below who are out late at night that they may face criminal liability, while their parents may also be held civilly liable.

On the other hand, minors aged 15 to 18 will be subjected to an intervention program aimed at addressing their behavioral issues.

The BCPO will work closely with their Women and Children’s Protection Desk, the Department of Social Services and Development in Bacolod, and barangay officials to ensure the effective implementation of the curfew ordinance.

Visibility

Meanwhile, BCPO has been urged to intensify police visibility efforts in all public and private schools in the city for the opening of classes today.

“There is a need for the BCPO to increase its police visibility and institute appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of our children, and to help bring back the people’s confidence in our law enforcement agencies,” Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella said in a resolution.

Puentevella said the visibility efforts will suppress crimes within schools./JB, WDJ