Residents were reminded about the ordinance prohibiting the establishment and operation of street gangs and recruitment of minors to instigate violence and community disorder in the city.
Adopted in December 2021, Ordinance 99 prohibits the following: creation and operation of street gang that disregards the safety and well-being of an individual; recruitment of persons including minors to participate in street gang violence; instigation on the conduct of gang graffiti; and other activities that disturb public order and threaten public safety and convenience.
The ordinance was adopted to address activities of street gangs and similar groups taking advantage of misguided minors, children at risk and children in conflict with the law; and using and exposing them to violence and illegal activities that turn them into juvenile delinquents, unruly citizens, and future burdens of society.
Penalties for adult violators of the measure are a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of one to 30 days or both.
Minor offenders are subject to intervention mechanisms put in place under the Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program formulated by the Local Council for the Protection of Children which is taking the lead in the implementation of the provisions of the ordinance.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the city needs to sustain the intensive implementation of the ordinance to stop violent incidents especially those involving minors. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
