AN amendment to Cagayan de Oro City’s 1994 curfew ordinance for minors that would place more accountability to the parents or guardians will be deliberated on by two committees of the 21st City Council sometime soon.

 

The amendment was proposed by Councilor Roger Abaday during Monday afternoon’s (Aug. 11) regular City Council session. By amending the 1994 curfew ordinance, Abaday said this would be aligned with Republic Act No. 9344 and RA No. 10630, known as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA).

 

The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act provides policies and programs for the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law.

 

Abaday’s proposed amendment would decriminalize status offenses such as curfew violations for minors. Instead of arresting youth offenders, they would be 'rescued' while the parents or guardians will be held more accountable.

 

Abaday said the 1994 curfew ordinance is outdated and must reflect modern legal standards that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.

 

Under the amendment, minors aged 15 to below 18 are exempted, unless found to have acted with discernment—that is if they are found to be aware that what they did was wrong, they may face legal action.

 

If not, they will undergo a diversion program. A hearing on the proposed amendment will be chaired by the council’s socia welfare, women and children’s committee and will be participated in by the Liga Ng Mga Barangay along with the council committee on community affairs. (MDS/CIO/Photos by: Kim Zaldivar/CIO)