In response to recent incidents involving minors during curfew hours, the Iloilo City government is calling on parents and guardians to ensure their children adhere to curfew regulations. Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the urgency of this matter following reports of altercations and stabbings in the La Paz and Molo districts. He stressed the collective responsibility of parents, barangay officials, and the community to protect and guide the youth, preventing their involvement in harmful activities.
The mayor has called on barangay officials to enhance their patrols and work closely with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to enforce the city’s curfew ordinance more effectively. ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to tackle juvenile delinquency and maintain public safety. She pointed out that the city’s curfew, which prohibits minors from being in public spaces between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. without an adult, must be strictly enforced.
ICPO director Col. Kim Legada has instructed police units to rigorously enforce these rules, with unsupervised minors being referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for intervention. Recent incidents include a stabbing in La Paz on December 17, where a 14-year-old was attacked while heading home, and another in Molo on December 18, where a 16-year-old was stabbed while waiting for a friend after a Mass. Both victims are now out of danger.
Legada underscored the importance of community involvement in monitoring and guiding the youth to create a safer environment. The ICPO, in collaboration with social welfare offices and local officials, has launched the RE-RAIS for Protection program aimed at addressing vulnerabilities, enhancing child welfare, and promoting safer communities. Residents are encouraged to report curfew violations or seek assistance through ICPO hotlines.