The Dagupan City government has begun enforcing an ordinance banning pisonet shops, saying the businesses may contribute to children's addiction to online games and expose them to other risks.

City officials, together with the Dagupan City Police Office, inspected pisonet shops across the city and served notices of closure to operators.

The city ordinance prohibits the operation of pisonet shops, citing their possible negative effects on students' education, including excessive gaming that may affect their studies. The local government also said the shops could expose children to abuse and other dangers.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the measure was introduced despite criticism from some sectors.

"Malungkot man dahil maraming namba-bash, pero ako mismo ang humiling sa Sangguniang Panlungsod na gumawa ng ordinansa na mapahinto ang mga pisonet sa Dagupan," she said.

Authorities also met with pisonet operators and explained the ordinance.

One operator said they would comply with the city's directive.

"Kung 'yun po ang sasabihin nila, susunod po kami. Ipahihinto po namin," they said.

Some parents welcomed the ordinance, saying it would help protect children.

"Kasi nakakasama naman talaga sa mga bata 'yun," Magie Silvino, a parent, said.

Another parent, Jennifer Generalao, also supported the move.

"Mas okay dahil siyempre mga bata ang karaniwang nasa pisonet," she said.

The city government gave pisonet operators five days to respond to and comply with the ordinance.