Manila Mayor Isko Moreno wasted no time on his first day back in public office, reimposing curfew hours for minors in a bid to restore order and keep young residents off the streets at night.
Through Executive Order No. 2, Moreno brought back “protection hours” for children below 18, setting curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. This directive aligns with city ordinances 8046, 8547, and 8182, and comes amid growing concerns over late-night disturbances reportedly involving minors.
“No penalty shall be imposed on children for said violations,” the ordinance states. Instead, minors found outside during curfew hours will be escorted home or turned over to barangay officials, with their parents assuming responsibility.
Moreno emphasized that while minors will not face punishment, the city will implement intervention programs like counseling, youth activities, and parenting seminars, in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.
He cited multiple incidents of concern involving minors, including street fights, drinking in public, theft, and even substance abuse. “On a serious note, when these feral kids go wild, they cause mayhem, public disturbance and danger to themselves and [are] worrisome for the parents,” he said during his State of the City Address.
To enforce the new curfew, the Manila Police District and the Department of Social Welfare have been instructed to establish checkpoints across city entry and exit points. While the city vows to play the role of “extra parent,” Moreno made it clear: if children continue to defy curfew hours, the law will take its course.
