Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso gives an update to Manilenyos on Wednesday (July 15, 2020). He warned parents to discipline their children or face arrest. (Photo grabbed from Isko Moreno Domagoso's page)
MANILA – Some 34 parents and guardians of minors were arrested by the city government of Manila as it cracked down on those violating the ordinance on the wearing of face masks and observance of curfew hours, especially for minors, amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso has warned parents of minors that he would have them arrested if they allow their minor children to go out in public during curfew hours.
“To prove to you na lahat ng pangungusap ay may tuldok, kanina sinimilan na naming, nagpakulong na kami ng mga magulang (To prove to you that every sentence has a period, we already started to jail parents)," he said in an update Wednesday, adding that some 40 minors were also rescued by city personnel.
Domagoso said he has given enough warnings.
“Bago ko implement ang mga yan bago ko sagarin ang mga yan, sasagarin ko muna sa panawagan pero kung inilalagay niyo na sa alanganin ang kaligtasan ng higit na nakararami sa ating barangay dahil pabaya itong mga nanay na ito, itong mga magulang na ito, ihohoyo ko kayo, hindi ako mangingimi (Before implementing this, I have repeatedly given out warnings, that if you will put at risk the health of the majority because you are irresponsible, I will not hesitate to put you in jail)," he said.
A report from the Manila Police District Special Mayor's Reaction Team (MPD SMaRT) said the joint operation was done with the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) in barangays 228, 221, 61, 56, 55, 53, 52, 51, and 50.
It added that the minors were rescued “for disobeying the IATF guideline which says that below 21 years old are not allowed outside their residence for safety purposes in these circumstances of pandemic or under state of health emergency”.
Meanwhile, for parents or guardians, they will be charged with violation of City Ordinance no. 8243 (Anti-Child Endangerment Act) and R.A. 7610 Section 3 para. C sub para. 6 and RA 11332 or the mandatory reporting of notifiable disease law.
Domagoso reiterated his call for negligent and irresponsible parents and guardians to discipline their children.
“Marami ngayong magulang o nanay nahaharap sa piskalya dahil pafa-file-an po namin sila ng kaso, habang wala silang pampiyansa (There are many mothers and parents right now facing charges because we will file cases against them, if they do not have money to pay for the fines), sad to say, they will stay in jail in violation of this ordinance,” he said.
Domagoso said he has received so many complaints about minors roaming the streets without face masks while the country faces threats of the coronavirus.
“Inutusan ko na si Gen. (Rolando) Miranda, lahat ng precinct commander sa lungsod ng Maynila, hulihin ang mga taong hindi dapat nasa kalsad during daytime at ganun din sa gabi (I have already ordered Gen. Miranda, all precinct commanders in the city to arrest those who are in the streets, when they should be inside their houses, during daytime and in the evening)," he said.
Domagoso urged everyone to cooperate with the government because he will be implementing the law to keep peace and order in the city. (PNA)
