By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the city government have raised concerns over two consecutive stabbing incidents involving minors that occurred early in the morning following the traditional Misa de Gallo.
Both incidents involved minor suspects, with one suspect being an 18-year-old.
In a statement, the ICPO appealed for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to address juvenile delinquency and ensure public safety.
The incidents, which took place in La Paz and Molo districts, also highlighted a recent altercation between groups of minors in Molo.
Authorities believe the minors involved in the incidents left their homes during curfew hours, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of local ordinances.
The city’s curfew for minors is mandated by Regulation Ordinance No. 2022-279, amending Regulation Ordinance No. 2011-676, which sets curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Stricter Curfew Enforcement
Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, has ordered all police units to strictly enforce the curfew ordinance.
Unsupervised minors caught violating curfew will be placed in police custody and referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for intervention.
“The recent incidents involving minors are concerning,” Legada said.
“We call on parents, guardians, community leaders, and stakeholders to work hand-in-hand in guiding and monitoring our youth. Addressing juvenile delinquency is a shared responsibility, and together, we can create a safer environment for our children,” he added.
Legada stressed the importance of community involvement in enforcing the curfew ordinance and preventing youth-related violence.
Barangay officials and tanods have been urged to conduct regular patrols and coordinate closely with law enforcement to ensure compliance.
Parents were also reminded to supervise their children, particularly during the Simbang Gabi, to ensure they return home promptly and avoid exposure to dangerous situations.
Mayor Treñas Responds
Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed concern over the recent incidents, calling for increased vigilance among parents, guardians, and barangay officials.
“These incidents remind us of the pressing need for all of us—parents, barangay officials, and the entire city—to take active roles in guiding and protecting our children,” Treñas said.
He urged parents to ensure their children follow curfew rules and barangay officials to strengthen patrols and maintain close coordination with the ICPO.
The city government, in partnership with the ICPO and DSWD, is implementing programs to address juvenile concerns, but Treñas emphasized that families and the community play crucial roles in shaping the values of the youth.
Incident Details
The first incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on December 17 in Barangay Lopez Jaena Sur, La Paz.
The victim, a 14-year-old boy identified only as “Fred,” a Grade 8 student from Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, was attacked by a group of male minors aged 15 and below as he and his friends walked home after Misa de Gallo.
The second incident happened at 5:30 a.m. on December 18 in Barangay San Pedro, Molo.
The victim, a 16-year-old boy from Barangay Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, was stabbed by two suspects: a minor and an 18-year-old male from Barangay Calumpang, Molo.
Action Plans
Legada assured the public that the ICPO remains committed to safeguarding minors and upholding peace and order.
Mayor Treñas called for collective action, stating, “We cannot do this alone. The family and the Ilonggos play a crucial role in shaping the values and actions of our youth.”
The incidents underscore the need for stricter curfew enforcement and collaboration between parents, community leaders, and law enforcement to ensure the safety of Iloilo City’s youth.
