DSWD issues guidelines on handling children who violate curfew

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Scores (mostly of legal age) have been arrested in Iloilo City since the curfew was implemented relative to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Since March 21, 2020, a day after the metropolis was placed under ECQ, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) rescued 44 minors and arrested 100 adults who were still on the streets during curfew hours (8 p.m. to 5 a.m.).

Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson and concurrent chief of the ICPO Women and Children’s Desk, said they have been following the protocol on handling minors who violate the curfew.

So far, no complaint has been filed against how authorities handled minor-offenders in Iloilo City.

But while it did not receive any complaint, the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 (DSWD-6) provided a guide on the proper handling of children or minors, as well as street children and dwellers, who are caught violating the curfew.

For minors who are residents of the barangay:

The barangay shall take custody of the minor.

The barangay will register the child as a “Child At Risk” or CAR in its logbook.

Information needed will be taken using the intake sheet of the barangay.

The parents or guardian will be duly informed.

The minor will be turned over to the parent or guardian.

Should the minor be categorized as “High Risk” based on guidelines of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) as assessed by the Local Social Welfare and Development Office, the LSWDO will conduct an Assessment and Intervention Conference and Design Intervention.

For non-residents of the barangay:

The barangay where the minor is found shall take custody of the minor.

The barangay will register the child as a “Child At Risk” or CAR in its logbook.

Information needed will be taken using the intake sheet of the barangay.

The child will be turned over to the barangay of residence.

At the minor’s barangay, the following will be done:

-Information needed will be taken using the intake sheet of the barangay

-The parents or guardian will be duly informed

­-The minor will be turned over to the parent or guardian

-Should the minor be categorized as “High Risk” based on guidelines of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) as assessed by the Local Social Welfare and Development Office. The LSWDO will conduct an Assessment and Intervention Conference and Design Intervention if necessary.

If the parents or guardian cannot be located, the child will be turned over to the LSWDO. If “High Risk,” the LSWDO will conduct an Assessment and Intervention Conference and Design Intervention.

“We are recommending that LGUs designate Activity Centers to ensure that these minors, street children, as well as street families have a shelter to stay,” DSWD-6 regional director Ma. Evelyn Macapobre said.

She stressed that it is the obligation of the parents, law enforcers and barangay officials to protect the rights of the children by observing this protocol.

Macapobre underscored that the best thing for children to do is to stay home and respect the curfew hours.

Staying home, she added, is the best choice to avoid being infected by COVID-19.