Senator backs stricter curfew for minors in NCR

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

SELLING SAMPAGUITA. Minors sell sampaguita garlands at the corner of Timog and Mother Ignacia Avenues in Quezon City on Nov. 29, 2024. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) backed the move of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to enforce curfew on minors in Metro Manila after 10 p.m. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday backed the move of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to strictly enforce curfew on minors in Metro Manila after 10 p.m.

Gatchalian said this would protect youth from harm and maintain public order, particularly in high-risk urban areas.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local enforcement of existing curfew ordinances across Metro Manila, with local government units (LGUs) expected to ensure compliance and coordinate with law enforcement agencies.

“Magpapatuloy ang banta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan kung hahayaan natin silang gumagala sa mga lansangan sa kalaliman ng gabi (Threats to the safety of our youth will persist if we allow them to roam the streets late at night),” Gatchalian said.

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“Ang pagtaguyod natin sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kabataan ay kaakibat ng pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kalinisan sa mga kalsada ng Metro Manila (Promoting the safety of our youth goes hand in hand with maintaining order and cleanliness on Metro Manila streets),” he added.

The DILG earlier urged LGUs to strictly implement curfew measures, particularly amid concerns over the vulnerability of minors to crime and other risks during late hours.

Authorities are expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement as part of broader efforts to ensure safer communities in the National Capital Region.