PNP to work with DSWD to avoid overcrowding of youth shelters amid curfew

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday it would strengthen coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to prevent the possible overcrowding of youth shelters due to intensified curfew enforcement.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. addressed concerns over the potential congestion of local Bahay Pag-asa facilities if hundreds of minors are apprehended every night.

"Our goal is to protect the youth, not overwhelm the system. By working closely with DSWD, we ensure that rescued minors receive proper care without straining our shelters," Nartatez said in a statement.

"The curfew is a preemptive shield. It reduces the window of opportunity for syndicates to exploit minors and keeps our youth away from environments that breed criminality," he added.

This follows the intensified enforcement of curfew hours for minors in Metro Manila under the initial launch of the government's Safer Cities Initiative.

Earlier, the Children's Legal Rights and Development Center urged the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reassess the policy as it may lead to arbitrary arrests and abuse of children at risk.

The group cited past operations, including the 2018 anti-loitering campaign, where strict enforcement reportedly resulted in overcrowded shelters and alleged mistreatment of minors.

Amid these concerns, the PNP maintained that the police organization remains committed to balancing public safety and child protection.

On Monday, the DILG announced stricter implementation of the ban on alcohol and gambling in public areas and other measures under the Safer Cities Initiative.

Over 48,000 violators were apprehended during the first three days of operations in Metro Manila, according to the PNP.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the Safer Cities program would initially be piloted in Metro Manila before expanding to other major urban centers nationwide. — VDV, GMA News