Manila threatens to jail ”irresponsible” parents

July 13, 2020

Parents who let their children leave home without face masks during curfew hours should be jailed, Manila City Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso said on Monday.

Domagoso made the remarks upon receiving a report from the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) that more minors were apprehended for violating curfew and face mask ordinances.

"In a report from the Manila Police District this morning, July 13, the ones caught violating Ordinance No. 8644  or the Mandatory Use of Face Mask in Public are  1,039. Most of them are minors," Domagoso said.

"Those apprehended for violating Ordinance No. 8547 or our curfew ordinance are 9,367. Most of them are also minors," he said.

Domagoso said there were also minors among the 1,028 street dwellers rescued by the MDSW.

"Many were left alone by their parents. Some of them are positive for COVID-19 after testing them," he said.

Domagoso said  parents of these children should face charges for neglect.

"Let’s start jailing irresponsible parents. I don’t mind if jails will be full of these parents who are irresponsible for violating Ordinance No. 8243 or the Anti-Child Endangerment Ordinance of the City Manila," Domagoso said.

"Hard times requires hard decision so COVID-19 virus will not spread," he added.

Domagoso ordered MPD chief Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda and MDSW chief Re Fugoso to file charges against parents caught neglecting their children. Manila Public Information Office