BAGUIO CITY – City officials recently requested the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) to increase visibility, enforce curfew hours and speed up response time for incidents involving students and street gangs in the city in cooperation with barangay officials and school administrators in both public and private institutions.
Under Resolution No. 713, series of 2024, local legislators stated that every citizen has a responsibility to maintain peace and order, and everyone must work together to make sure that these values are upheld throughout the city.
During the Scout officials For A Day (SOFAD) session held on October 21, 2024, the SOFAD Council adopted the proposal of SOFAD Councilor Jayrod C. Biniasan that requested the BCPO, in coordination with barangay officials and school administrators in both public and private institutions, to intensify police visibility, police patrol, curfew hours and response to incidents involving students and street gangs.
The council said that the 1987 Constitutions clearly articulates that it is the prime duty of the government to serve and protect its people. The State is mandated to establish a highly efficient and competent police force to ensure public safety for all Filipinos. The Philippine National Police is the primary agency that is entrusted to promote peace and order in the country.
Ordinance No. 99, series of 2021 prohibits the creation and operation of a street gang that vehemently disregards the safety and wellbeing of an individual; recruitment of persons, including minors to participate in street gang violence; instigation on the conduct of gang graffiti and other activities that disturb public order and threatens public safety and convenience.
Further, Ordinance No. 50, series of 2009 as amended by Ordinance No. 23, series of 2018, sets curfew hours for children, prohibiting them from roaming, or playing on the streets, roads, plazas, parks, or other public places or establishments in the city.
The council noted that there were a number of street violence involving the youth that occurred in the city, especially near schools and universities, restaurants and KTV bars and public parks, among others, that need immediate action, particularly from the local police force.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the BCPO for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
