SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The municipal government of Bacnotan has started imposing curfew hours from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. for minors aged 17 years old and below.

Under Ordinance No. 403 series of 2002 entitled “Ordinance Prohibiting Minors, either Alone or in Groups, from Roaming and Loitering within the Territorial Jurisdiction of the Municipality of Bacnotan”, Mayor Divina Fontanilla has ordered the police and barangay officials to conduct routine patrol all over the town and apprehend curfew hour violators.

“Pinapaalalahanan naman natin ang mga magulang na siguraduhing kasama sa bahay ang mga anak na menor de edad pagsapit ng 10:00 p.m. dahil istriktong ipapatupad ang batas sa ating bayan,” Fontanilla said.

A minor who is together with or accompanied by any responsible adult may be excused from the provision of this ordinance, provided, however, that the relation between the minor and responsible adult shall be made known and the purpose for which the minor is still loitering or roaming is found to be credible.

For the first offense, the violator shall remain under the custody of the police or barangay tanod, only to be released when fetched by their parents or guardians.

Meanwhile, for the second offense and succeeding offenses, there will be a fine of five hours of community service. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)