CHAPTER 1 The Problem Background of the study Minor curfews are local ordinances proscribing minors, generally within a specified age range, from occupying public areas and streets during particular times. It is enacted by a local or state government that restricts certain people from being in public places at specified times of the day. Many cities and towns have a curfew law in place to prevent teenagers from being out at certain times, typically spanning the late hours of the night or school hours during the day. Any teenager caught out after curfew can face a fine or even jail time, depending upon the specific laws of the town. (Kline, 2011) Youth crime is a major and growing problem, often involving both drugs and violence. Imposing youth curfews can help to solve these problems, as they keep young people off the street, and therefore out of trouble, and prevent them from congregating in the hours of darkness. (Kline, 2011)
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The use of curfews on minors can help to protect vulnerable children for not all parents are responsible and inevitably their children suffer, both from crime and in accidents, and are likely to fall into bad habits. Society should ensure that such neglected children are returned home safely and that their parents are made to face up to their families. (Kline, 2011) Juvenile curfews laws have appealed to liberals and conservatives alike, though usually for slightly different reasons. For conservatives, curfews fit into an approach of more vigorous enforcement efforts, more punitive sentencing, and increased social controls. For liberals, curfews fit into the program of identifying juveniles in early stages of delinquency who could benefit from intervention strategies (Adams, 2003). Additionally, the costs of enforcing curfews are perceived as relatively low and the measures perceived as very effective (Adams, 2003). Too Little empirical research has been done on the cost-effectiveness of curfew enforcement (Adams, 2003), so this remains an area where further research would be useful.
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Delinquency prevention efforts are considered by many to be crucial to the development of a consistent and comprehensive approach to the problem of youth crime and delinquency. Traditionally, evaluations have lacked empirical support prevention programs’ impact on juvenile misconduct. Today, however, a growing body of research supports the idea of delinquency prevention as both a practical and cost-effective means of reducing youth misbehavior. In the conduct of preventing and or controlling delinquency one of the means being applied is the implementation of curfew hours (Brannen, 2002). The Council for Protection for Youth and Children was also asked to review the ordinance. Recent deliberation focused on whether there is a need to adjust the curfew hours since some students might have to do some assignments and other school works which could go beyond the 7 p.m. curfew. (Asuncion, 2016) Section 2 of Ordinance 50, s. 2009 states that children below 16 years old are prohibited from roaming or playing in the streets, roads, plazas, parks, or other public places from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Another concern is the protocol on the custody of offenders. The city government has been updating the Curfew Ordinance to
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address delinquency, teenage gang violence, and other violations committed at nighttime. (Asuncion, 2016) Under the ordinance, violators will be penalized as follows: first offense – the child shall be referred to the guidance counselor of the Council for the Protection of Youth and Children; second offense – the child shall undergo counseling by the CSWDO; and third offense – the child shall be put by the CSWDO under an intervention program, which may include community service. (Asuncion, 2016) The CSWDO shall ensure that the community service is appropriate to the child and is consistent with the goals of the intervention program. Adults who are the guardian, parent, or authorized custodian of the offending child within the third degree of relationship, either by consanguinity or affinity, shall be penalized under other applicable laws and ordinances. (Asuncion, 2016) The Sangguniang Bayan of La Trinidad on March 4, 2008 amended section 15 of Ordinance No. 1-2003 or the Curfew for Minors under the Children Welfare Code changing mainly the time schedule and the penalties which then now referred to as the Ordinance No. 2- 2008. Section 15 of Ordinance No.2 of 2008 states that “No
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person below eighteen years old shall loiter in the streets or public places between Seven O’clock in the evening (7:00 pm) to Five O’clock in the morning (5:00 am), except those returning to or going out of their houses or schools for legitimate purposes or unless they are in company with their parents and guardians. Minors who shall be caught will be referred to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for guidance and counseling, safekeeping for the night, and disposition in accordance to the provisions of RA 9344. The said ordinance is a revised edition of Ordinance no.1-2003, section 15 which states that “No person below eighteen years shall loiter in the streets or public places between 10:30 at Night. According to La Trinidad vice mayor Romeo Salda Sr., the ordinance was revised to match with Baguio City who earlier revised the same ordinance in their locality. Reports said the senior citizens federation asked municipalities in Benguet to strictly impose the curfew for minors, in order to shun them away from committing or becoming victims of crimes (Balangen, 2011). Curfews are credited by some with restoring and maintaining order in lower crime neighborhoods, according
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to the analysis. In addition to equipping law enforcement with tools to keep youth off the streets, curfews provide parents with a legitimate, legal basis for restricting the activities of their children. It is easier for parents to place boundaries on their children's activities, proponents argue, when other youth in the neighborhood are similarly restricted by a specific time to return home. Nonetheless, there are still weaknesses and problems it its implementation. (Ruefle and Reynolds, 1996) Hence, it also expected that there are weaknesses and problems in the implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. This study was carried out in La Trinidad, Benguet to assess the implementation of curfew on minors and provide recommendations in order to address and improve these weaknesses and problems. Statement of the Problem The main purpose of the study was to assess the operation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Specifically, it sought answers to the following: 1. What is the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors? 6
2.1 Are there significant differences on the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors as perceived by the respondents? 2. What is the level of implementation of curfew on minor? 2.1 Are there significant differences on the level of implementation of curfew on minors as perceived by the respondents? 3. What is the degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the implementation of curfew hours? Hypotheses of the Study 1. There are significant differences in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors as perceived by the groups of respondents. 2. There are significant differences in the level of implementation of curfew on minors as perceived by the groups of respondents. Importance of the Study This result of the study will benefit the police officers, barangay officials, municipality of La Trinidad, future researchers and the researcher himself. For the Police officers, the result of the study will help them to upgrade and enhance its capabilities of
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implementing the PNP Strategic Action Plan in La Trinidad, Benguet. For the municipality of La Trinidad, the result of the study will be one of the sources for making this town a better place. For the respondents, the outcome of the study would serve as tools that will assist them to improve their current techniques through the provision of significant data imparted by the study. For the future researchers, the result of this study would help future researchers who would like to conduct a similar study. Finally, on the part of the researcher, during and after the phase of the study, the researcher who is currently teaching Criminology subjects will also be benefitted. He would gain essential knowledge about research and the implementation of curfew on minors which is very relevant in his job. Scope and Delimitation of the Study This study is focused on the assessment on the ordinance of curfew on Minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. The researcher confined his study at Barangay Balili, Betag, Cruz, Poblacion, Puguis, wangal and Pico La 8
Trinidad Benguet. This study covered the perceptions of Philippine National Police personnel, Barangay officials and parents in the implementation of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework The researcher was guided by the concept that if curfew is imposed on minors, they can be prevented from engaging crimes in the future. Curfews are built upon the idea that “restricting the hours when young people may be in public should limit their opportunities to commit crimes or become victims” (McDowall, 2000, p. 59). With this underlying motivation, such policies can take a variety of forms, including variations in targeted age groups, hours of operation, exceptions to the policy, and sanctions for violations (e.g., Ford, 1994, p.1679; Ruefle & Reynolds, 1995). Typical curfew policies in larger cities are directed at youth aged up to 17, and enforced between the hours of 10:00PM – midnight and 4:00 – 6:00 in the morning (McDowall, 2000). Thus, it is generally believed that juvenile curfew policies encompass a variety of restricted activities and sanctions, implemented with the
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intention of controlling delinquency and increasing public safety. Given that curfew laws reduce the amount of time that teenagers spend out of their homes, curfew laws have been marketed to have the strong potential to limit both the rate of crimes, such as homicide both committed by and inflicted on teenagers (McDowall, Loftin, & Wiersema, 2000). It has also been proposed that curfew laws have the potential to strengthen parental control by making it easier for parents to limit the amount of time that their children are allowed to spend out of the house (McDowall et al., 2000). In the Philippines, the Department of Justice Undersecretary Merceditas Gutierrez said times have become especially dangerous due to the proliferation of illegal drugs. Even the most remote barangays have been penetrated by drug dealers and pushers, according to police and military reports (Calica 2003). "The curfew will help in protecting the minors because most crimes happen at night. I’m sure parents will support that. I personally do not want young people roaming around the streets when it’s already late. We can no longer be certain of their safety because of illegal
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drugs," Gutierrez said. There have been debates about the measure but Gutierrez pointed out the public should only be assured of a proper manner of apprehending minors violating the curfew.
She said the government can always
quell abuses in imposing rules and regulations and thus fears of stepping on the right of minors can be addressed by a campaign on the advantages of a curfew. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. has likewise backed the plan to implement curfew hours for minors in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, saying the scheme would greatly reduce incidents of street crimes. Lina urged city and municipal mayors to seriously consider imposing curfew in their respective localities to prevent criminal elements from plying their illegal activities at night. In calling all city and municipal mayors outside Metro Manila to impose their respective curfew hours for minors, Lina said this could be done through an ordinance passed by their respective local councils. "There is great wisdom in the imposition of curfew not only in Metro Manila but also nationwide as this would greatly help the police in stopping the growing 11
number of street crimes, but this should be imposed only on minors," Lina said. Preventive enforcement falls under the heading of protection, and involves the prevention of crime through the noticeable presence of police vehicle and personnel. Prevention of crime is the soundest of all criminological philosophy. It is much easier to patch a crack in the dike than it is to repair the wall after it has broken. The old saw about “an ounce of prevention being a worth a pound of cure” could not find a better example than in the prevention of crime. The ultimate goal of crime prevention is to reduce the risk of being a victim. In order to accomplish this effectively, it is important to remove opportunities for a criminal to take advantage of you or your property. You are attempting to prevent either victimization or criminalization by presenting an unattractive target to the criminal. This effort at removing opportunities is often referred to as target hardening. Target hardening can be as complex as installing a high tech alarm system or taking a selfdefense course to something as simple as locking your door. Successful crime prevention efforts will promote a safer community be enhancing the perception of safety and
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the attitudes and behaviors that help people feel safe. (Payton, 1971). Crime prevention is the attempt to reduce victimization and to deter crime and criminals. It is applied specifically to efforts made by governments to reduce crime, enforce the law, and maintain criminal justice. Crime prevention is any initiative or policy which reduces or eliminates the aggregate level of victimization or the risk of individual criminal participation. It includes government and community based programs to reduce the incidents of risk factors correlated with criminal participation and the rage of victimization, as well as efforts to change perceptions. One of the priority goals of the government is to establish a harmonious, peaceful, and stable environment conducive to attain over-all development here in our county. For one, the impact of a sound and healthy environment greatly affects the welfare of every individual and the overall status of the economy in the nation (Southern Illinois University, 2006). Crime is a social disease that needs to be cured. A conceptual framework or model for the purpose of crime prevention is therefore needed. Having the knowledge on
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the etiology of crime, all possible preventive and suppressive method in combating crime can help deter criminality (Manwong and Delizo, 2006). In his article in “Ang Tala” on August 15 1978, quoted that during the fifth United Nation Congress on Prevention of Crimes and Treatment of Offenders held in Geneva, Switzerland on September 1 -12, 1975, it was the consensus of the participating nations to stress the importance of “community prevention action” which embraces a program of action planned and implemented at both the local and national levels. Under these concepts public participation was understood to encompass all the ways in which a community group assist in the prevention and control of crime and promote peace and order. (Ramos, 1975) It is believed that an effective criminal justice system call for the rationalization and socialization of crime prevention policy and integrating them into national development goals, for it has been pointed out that most of the weaknesses of the system are traceable to the failure of authorities to bridge the gap between crime and social development. (Ramos, 1975)
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The conceptual framework of the study was based on the concepts of crime prevention, adhering to the archaic saying stating that: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of crime. Much of the anguish, losses and damage caused by crime can be simply avoided by preventing its source” (Tradio,1994). It is one of the fundamental duties of the elected officials to see to it that the society in their jurisdiction should be a place conducive to stay, which means peaceful society. So it is one duty of the elected official to make and enact laws which help prevent the commission of crimes so as to maintain peace and order in their respective jurisdiction, one of which is the implementation of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. This study aimed to determine the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors, level of implementation of curfew for minors and the degree of seriousness in the implementation of curfew for minors in the municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet. Thus, after the root cause were properly identified, the necessary measures were recommended and formulated to solve the problems.
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The paradigm of the study (figure 1) describes the coverage and the direction of the study. Under the independent variables, the following are determined. The curfew operation on minors is dependent on the assessment of the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors, the level of implementation of curfew on minors and the problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors. Differences in the perceptions among PNP personnel, Barangay officials and parent may exists any may affect the result of assessment.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLES 1. Attainment of the 16
objectives of curfew on minors 2. Implementation of curfew on minors 3. Degree of seriousness of problems DEPENDENT VARIABLE encountered in the implementation of of attainment 1. Level curfew on of minors the objectives of curfew on minors 2. Level of implementation of curfew on minors 3. Degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the Moderator Variables implementation of curfew on a. minors La Trinidad, PNP personnel c. Barangay officials d. Parents
Figure 1. Paradigm of the study
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Definition of Terms Minor.
It refers to a juvenile who is under the age
of eighteen. Curfew.
It is an order or law that requires people
to be indoors after a certain time at night. It is the period of time when such an order or law is in effect. Barangay Tanod. It refers to a community brigade composed of civilian volunteers duly appointed by the Punong Barangay upon recommendation of the Barangay Peace and Order Committee (BPOC). Juvenile delinquency. It refers to the habitual committing of criminal acts or offenses by a young person, especially one below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible. Business Establishment. It refers to businesses offering liquors or any intoxicating beverages, those which offer amusement services such as billiards, internet café and the like. Patrol. This refers to an act done by police personnel passing along a road, beat, etc., or around or through a specified area in order to maintain order and security.
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CHAPTER 2 Design and Methodology This section discussed the methods and procedures used in this study. Specifically, it discusses the research design, methodology, the population and locale of the study, the data gathering tools and the treatment of data. Research Design In this study, the descriptive survey method of investigation was used in the presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data. The descriptive method is the collection, presentation, and description of data. It described the curfew for minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet. Specifically, the study described the level of implementation of curfew for minors, the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors and the degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the implementation of curfew for minors in the municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet. Locale and Population of the Study This study was conducted to assess the Curfew on Minors in the most urbanized Barangays in La Trinidad,
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Benguet such as Betag, Balili, Pico, Puguis, Poblacion and Cruz.
Population of the Study The population of the study was comprised of the members of the La Trinidad Police, Parents and Barangay officials.
Table 1. Distribution of respondents Area of Respondents Number of respondents _________________________________________________________ __ PNP Personnel 22 Barangay Officials 45 Parents 85 _________________________________________________________ __ Total
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Data Gathering Tools The study utilized the questionnaire-checklist with Likert-type scale served as the main gathering tool. The questionnaire was adopted from the unpublished Thesis “Curfew for Minors in Bontoc, Mountain Province” by Rommel Fedcha of University of Baguio. Thus, the instrument is deemed valid and reliable. 20
Data Gathering Procedures Prior to the gathering of data, the researcher sought permission from the office of the Mayor, Chief of Police, respective members of the PNP and Barangay Chairman.
The researcher and his enumerators personally
administered the questionnaires and gave an overview, explain briefly the purpose and importance of the study to the respondents. After retrieving the questionnaires, the responses were tallied, tabulated and treated statistically. Treatment of Data Data collected were evaluated and measured to ensure their completeness, consistency, accuracy and relevance. This is to enable data gathered to be presented into tables for qualitative explanations and analysis of curfew on minors. All data were statistically treated by using the 4 point scale to quantify the responses.
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The following scales were used on the level of attainment of objectives of curfew on minors as perceived by the respondents: Score
Numerical Value
Descriptive Equivalent
Symbols
4
3.25 – 4.00
Much Attained
MA
3
2.50 - 3.24
Moderately Attained
MA
Slightly Attained
SA
Not Attained
NA
2 1
1.75 – 2.49 1.00 – 1.74
On the determination of the level of implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet as perceived by the respondents, the following scales were used:
Score
Numerical Value
Descriptive Equivalent
Symbols
4
3.25 – 4.00
Much Implemented
MI
3
2.50 - 3.24
Moderately Implemented
MI
Slightly Implemented
SI
2
1.75 – 2.49
22
1
1.00 – 1.74
Not Implemented
NI
On the determination of the degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet as perceived by the respondents, the following scales were used: Score
Numerical Value
Descriptive Equivalent
Symbols
4
3.25 – 4.00
Highly Serious
HS
3
2.50 - 3.24
Moderately Serious
MS
Slightly Serious
SS
Not a Problem
NaP
2
1.75 – 2.49
1
1.00 – 1.74
In answering specific problems 1, 2, and 3 weighted mean was used. The formula (Oasan, 1995) is X = ∑fx N Where: X ∑ f X N
= = = = =
weighted mean summation No. of respondents scales total number of respondents
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Sub-problems 1.2, 2.1, and 3.1 were answered by ANOVA (Ftest) through Microsoft Excel Toolpak Analysis.
CHAPTER 3 Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data This chapter presents and interprets the data relative to the level of attainment of the objectives, level of implementation and the degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad. The Level of Attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors Table 3 shows that the overall mean is 2.86, which is interpreted as moderately attained. In the overall analysis, the
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Table 3. Level of Attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors as perceived by the group Descriptive Ran Indicators W.M Equivalent k 1. Preventing the minors from drinking liquor by not allowing them to enter inside any amusement 2.8 Moderately establishment; 5 Attained 10 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous 2.9 Moderately drugs; 1 Attained 7.5 3. Imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or 2.5 Moderately any amusement; 2 Attained 15 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, 2.4 Slightly despite of warnings given; 5 Attained 16 5. Preventing minors from loitering during night 2.7 Moderately time; 5 Attained 13 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to 2.9 Moderately commit crime; 5 Attained 5.5 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (mode of operation) of the minors in committing crimes 2.7 Moderately particularly on robbery; 8 Attained 12 8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the 3.2 Moderately community; 4 Attained 1 9. Strictly implementing 2.9 Moderately 4 curfew to protect the 8 Attained minors from adults and 25
fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen; 13. Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting them out; 14. Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian; 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 16. Helping the economic development of the community. Average
3.0 4
Moderately Attained
3
2.8 8
Moderately Attained
9
2.7 1
Moderately Attained
14
2.8 1
Moderately Attained
11
3.0 5
Moderately Attained
2
2.9 5
Moderately Attained
5.5
2.9 1 2.8 6
Moderately Attained
7.5
Moderately Attained
respondents perceived that many of the objectives are still to be attained. This is due to unforeseen factors that affects the attainment of the objectives like
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occurrence of emergencies, special holidays and events such as Adivay where attention of law enforcers are diverted, and also some minors are not aware that there is such curfew on minors in La Trinidad that’s why they are loitering in public places. Rank one is indicator 8 safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community obtained the highest mean of 3.24, interpreted as moderately attained. This means that majority of people in the community feel that they are being protected by authorities but there are still some who felt otherwise. Result of the interview made by GreenGarage says that having curfew means that those under 18 get as much adult supervision as possible. This lessens the chances of them getting involved in juvenile violence and crime. Parents often feel assured and relieved having their kids at home and not on the streets at a certain time. Driving and hanging out during late night hours puts teenagers in a risky situation. Driving or traveling at night poses greater dangers than traveling at daytime. In addition, curfew keeps them away from temptations such as 27
drug use, violent acts, sexual risks, heavy partying, and alcohol intake. Palberas (2016) in a personal interview said that “I can say that at least the law enforcers and barangay officials are doing their job because once in a while I can see them going around our community to render service” (Personal Interview) Second in rank is Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian garnered the second highest mean of 3.05 interpreted as moderately attained. This means that there is high awareness on the part of the parents but the information campaign is limited due to financial assistance and it further implies that the implementers of the curfew for minors were able to help many to be more responsible parents. Superintendent Leon Taleo of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) operations division revealed that from January to the middle of June this year, there were around 225 minors who were rounded up and either given counselling by social workers prior to the turnover to their parents or were immediately fetched by their
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parents at the city social welfare and development office or at the BCPO women and children’s desk located in Burnham Park. Joseph Mangiben member of Barangay Tanod of Wangal said that when minor is caught and brought to the Barangay hall, some qualified Barangay officials and Tanod are giving advice and guidance to the parents which is good because not all parents are well educated to manage children. (Personal Interview 2016) Rank three is requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community obtained the third highest mean of 3.04, which is interpreted as moderately attained. This means that majority of the minors were going home earlier because they are required by the implementers of the curfew for minors. However, there are still minors who go home late because they enjoy playing in the computer shops and parks. Association of Private Schools president Ann Marie Caguioa said since the passage of Ordinance 50, series of 2009 prescribing the rules and regulations for curfew for minors in the city, reported crimes against children have 29
been minimized and private and public schools had been complying with the guidelines in the ordinance. She further said that it is still best for the city to maintain the 7 pm to 5 am curfew for minors in order to make sure children will be home right after dismissal of classes so that their parents will not always worry about their safety. During special occasions of schools, Caguioa informed members of the City Council that schools comply with the guidelines wherein they issue the concerned children with a certification that there will be a school-based activity that will end beyond 7 pm in order to be used by the minors once apprehended or investigated by the law enforcers, aside from their respective identification cards and class schedules.
First lowest indicator is closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite warnings given which obtained a mean of 2.45, interpreted as slightly attained. The result implies that very few business establishments were closed in compliance with curfew on minors because there
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is no enough man power to process legal documents and work on technical areas to close a certain business. This also happens due to poor cooperation of the owners of the different business establishment. In La Trinidad, Benguet, the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) recorded 112 cases of CICL in 2014 and 94 in 2015. Petty theft and physical injury ranked the top most juvenile offenses. Petty thefts are usually committed through snatching or pickpocketing of valuables. Most were arrested for physical injury due to their involvement in bars or street fights. (Personal Interview 2016) P03 Ruben Balanoy said that it is difficult for them to ensure that all businesses will be closed as required by the Ordinance because they cannot be in the same place all the time since La Trinidad is a very wide place and PNP personnel are not enough. When Police officers have move to other place, business owners will open their business establishment. Second lowest indicator, is imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or any amusement garnered a weighted mean of 2.52 interpreted as moderately attained. It 31
implies that there are still policies which are not clear and fully informed to the violators of the ordinance. One of the reasons of this result is no clear cut policy in imposing fines to business establishments and the fines is not clearly identified in the ordinance. A business owner in Pico said that some of the business owners are haggling and negotiating immediately to the authorities whenever they violate a certain ordinance particularly offering liquor to minors even it is within curfew hours. Their defense is that they don’t know that their customers are minors. Another factor for the difficulty in imposing fines is that some people do not agree with the ordinance, an example for this is the petition letter submitted by the members of the La Trinidad Bar and Restaurant Owners Association Inc. they said that the early curfew is laudable as it protects the welfare of minors, but it will seriously affect thousands of individuals involved in the business, as well as the income the town derives from these establishments. The third lowest indicator is arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding 32
citizen with a weighted mean of 2.71 interpreted as moderately attained. This means that there are still many minors loitering in public places even if it is already within curfew hours. The difficulty is that these activities are historically part of the amenities of life as we have known them. They are not mentioned in the Constitution or in the Bill of Rights. These unwritten amenities have been, in part, responsible for giving our people the feeling of independence and self-confidence, the feeling of creativity. These amenities have dignified the right of dissent, and have honored the right to be nonconformists and the right to defy submissiveness. They have encouraged lives of high spirits, rather than hushed, suffocating silence. Difference in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors according to group Table 2.1 presents the differences in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors according to group. As exhibited in the table, the PNP and Barangay officials perceived higher level of perception on the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors compared to Parents on the ground 33
that members of the PNP themselves and Barangay officials are the prime enforcers of the ordinance. As such they are much confident that they have done their part particularly when it comes to the attainment of the objectives of curfew. On the other hand, parents got the lowest perception because many of them are focused on their work making them unaware that law enforcers are conducting patrol. In relation to this, a resident of Puguis says that seldom they see law enforcers conducting patrol in their barangay. Fedcha (2011) asserted that the obvious reason why the parents have a lower level of perception is on the ground that they are only the recipients of these services. Kiblasan (1999) stressed also that perceptions differ especially if it is between doers and observers. In his study, the BCPO personnel perceived that purposes of the Anti-Vice Campaign were fully attained however barangay officials perceived it as moderately attained only. Table 2.1 Differences in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors according to group Barangay PNP Official Personne Parent s l s 1. Preventing the minors from 3.43 2.70 2.55 drinking liquor by not allowing them to enter inside 34
any amusement establishment; 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous drugs; 3. Imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or any amusements; 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite 5. Preventing minors from loitering during night time; 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to commit crime; 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (Mode of Operation) of the minors in committing crimes particularly on robbery; 8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community; 9. Strictly implementing curfew to protect the minors from adults and fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop 35
3.49
2.57
2.70
3.17
2.00
2.32
3.09
1.78
2.32
3.41
2.26
2.55
3.63
3.09
2.50
3.44
3.35
2.25
3.86
3.43
2.77
3.43
3.39
2.58
3.57
3.48
2.54
3.32 3.15
3.30 3.00
2.48 2.32
and be law-abiding citizen; 13. Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting them out; 3.29 14. Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian; 3.47 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 3.62 16. Helping the economic development of the community. 3.43 Average 3.42 Fcomp= 29.559 p-value= 0.00 F.05= 3.204
3.22
2.34
3.41
2.64
3.41
2.36
3.26 2.42 2.98 2.48 significant
Statistical analysis shows that the p-value of 0.00 is less than the alpha value of 0.05 level of significance which means that there are significant differences in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors according to group. Hence, there is enough evidence to accept the hypothesis that there is significant difference in the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors as perceived by the groups of respondents. This finding implies that perception of the respondents vary because they have different level of
36
exposure and observation on level of attainment of objectives.
Level of Implementation of curfew for Minors as perceived by the group
Table 3 presents the level of implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Table 3. Level of implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet as perceived by the respondents Descriptive Indicators W.M Equivalent Rank 1. Preventing the minors from drinking liquor by no allowing them to enter inside any 2.7 Moderately amusement establishment; 7 Implemented 10 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous 2.7 Moderately drugs; 3 Implemented 13 3. Imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar 2.3 Slightly or any amusements; 8 Implemented 15 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite 2.3 Slightly of warnings given; 7 Implemented 16 5. Preventing minors from 2.7 Moderately loitering during night time; 8 Implemented 11 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor 3.0 Moderately violators to commit crime; 7 Implemented 1.5 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (Mode of Operation) of the minors in committing crimes 2.8 Moderately particularly on robbery; 9 Implemented 7 37
8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community; 9. Strictly implementing curfew to protect the minors from adults and fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen; 13. Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting them out; 14. Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian; 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 16. Helping the economic development of the community. Average
3.0 4
Moderately Implemented
4
2.9 9
Moderately Implemented
5
3.0 7
Moderately Implemented
1.5
2.8 3
Moderately Implemented
9
2.6 6
Moderately Implemented
14
2.7 5
Moderately Implemented
12
2.9 3
Moderately Implemented
6
2.8 8 3.0 6 2.8 3
Moderately Implemented 8 Moderately Implemented 3 Moderately Implemented
Based on the results, the respondents perceived that the curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet is
38
moderately implemented as reflected by the average mean of 2.83. This implies that the respondents perceived some needed improvement in the implementation of the curfew for minors such the strict imposition of fines and immediate closures of business establishments violating curfew on minors ordinance. The findings is attributed to inevitable factors such a as lack of manpower, insufficient budget and uncooperative parents. This is supported by the research conducted by Balangen (2011). In her research she said that though most complied with the ordinance, the compliance was not greatly influenced by the strategies applied by the implementing group. Respondents’ top reason for their compliance is parental guidance while influence of friends was the most reason for the respondents’ noncompliance to the ordinance. Weak communication strategies applied in the implementing of the ordinance and not strict and inconsistent/irregular implementation of the ordinance and the ronda system were the top problems of the respondents regarding the ordinance while the implementers faced problems such as insufficient budget, lack of manpower, uncooperative
39
parents/guardians, non-compliance of business owners, lack of discipline of minors and non-existent support system of the government. (Personal Interview 2016)SPO1 Chris Haidle Tumingeb said that in his 14 years’ service going around the country dealing with different kinds of people, rules or laws cannot be 100 percent implemented because of two factors one is that the implementers are just human being where they usually give consideration to those who are violating simples rules like curfew for minors where there are no victims, second is that not all people especially young people support this particular ordinance for they believe it is violating their rights to travel or to enjoy life. The two indicators such as increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to commit crime and requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community both garnered a mean of 3.07 interpreted as moderately attained. This implies that the respondents perceived that implementers of curfew for minors are visible to the public and that they are indeed requiring minors to go home once they are caught loitering in public places. The 40
result is moderately attained is due to the limited number of PNP personnel and Barangay officials. This is supported by the study of Balangen (2011). Her findings states that the ronda system was the actual foot patrol of the barangay officials or barangay tanods and police officers around the barangay to apprehend violators. The ronda system included securing of computer shops and establishments serving liquors around the area while at the same time informing the residents regarding the ordinances. Curfew for minors, computer shops and liquor establishments were successive, thus, the ronda system was not only for the latter but extended to the other two ordinances. According to the key informants, most of the minors were caught at the computer shops and establishments serving alcoholic beverages, and in dark areas. Thus, most of them concentrated on these areas. Minors who shall be caught by Barangay Tanods after 7PM should either be sent home or referred to the police officers. The police officers will either send the children home or refer them to the MSWDO for guidance and counseling. The MSWDO then will send the children home after the guidance and counseling with the parents.
41
However, this procedure was modified by some of the barangay officials where they apply case-to-case basis. Barangay Kagawad and Chairman for Peace and Order of Barangay Puguis Tyrone T. Diaz said that during foot patrols, they exempted residents who loitered later than 7PM as long as they were not doing anything wrong. Most of those who were caught were those drunk and those who were committing crimes. They referred these violators to the police officers and to MSWDO for proper intervention or sanction. Those who were just seen loitering late were assisted home after being informed and asked regarding the curfew ordinance. Barangay officials or tanods talked to the parents for advises for those who were immediately sent home. Since some parents were not aware of the said ordinance, they were likewise informed of the ordinance. Ranked two, is helping the economic development of the community got an overall mean of 3.06, which is interpreted as moderately implemented. This implies that observance of the provisions of the ordinance of curfew for minors has greatly influenced economic growth in the community because a peaceful community grows rapidly.
42
Generally, there is a decline of minor offenses when curfew was implemented. (Personal interview 2016) Dimsy Yap, a business owner who were interviewed said that customers will go away if the place is not peaceful, he cited his experience some time ago in Betag when many bystanders are loitering in their business establishment, their sales decrease. Ranked four, is safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community obtained a weighted mean of 3.04 which is interpreted as moderately implemented. This means that the majority of respondents perceived that people feel safe and peace is still preserved. Nevertheless, some are not feeling secure despite presence of law enforcers in the community. An old city ordinance on curfew for minors that’s not been enforced for years has been revived in the past weeks with policemen rounding up minors especially those having a drinking session at the sidewalks. The move follows an earlier statement of PresidentElect
Rodrigo
Duterte
that
43
he
is
eyeing
the
strict
enforcement of the curfew which he had set in Davao City as mayor. In Pasay City yesterday police rounded up 80 minors for violating the city’s existing curfew hour which is from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. under “Oplan Rody” or Rid the Streets of Drinkers and Youth, while in Mandaluyong City, police arrested 30 minors spotted along the streets from 10p.m. to 1:45 a.m. The minors said they were just playing with friends a few blocks from their residence. Others were singing with a karaoke at a street corner in Barangay Addition Hills. According to Pasay City police chief, Sr. Supt. Joel Doria, the minors were first detained at the Pasay City detention cell in the presence of some personnel of the local
Department
of
Social
Welfare
and
Development
(DSWD). Meanwhile,
Chief
Insp.
Jacqueline
Ta-a,
of
the
Libertad Police Station (PS-4), said that the minors were rounded up from Tuesday evening until early yesterday morning by roving officers.
44
The minors, who were caught either loitering on the streets, inside computer shops, and hanging out, were assisted
by
personnel
from
the
city’s
Department
of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The existing ordinance on curfew hours which was first implemented in 1993 imposes penalties up to three violations. Penalty for the first violation is a record on
the
police
blotter,
second
violation
is
community
service, and third offense is a fine of P500. Meanwhile, the parents and guardians of the arrested minors said they weren’t aware that there is such an ordinance being implemented. The city police told the parents of the arrested minors of the city ordinance imposing curfew hours for minors aging 18 years old and below from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. since 1996. The minors were released around 1 a.m. after their parents and guardians presented identification cards. A few days ago, the Las Pinas City police under Sr. Supt.
Jemar
Modequillo,
rounded
45
up
over
about
100
persons, 70 of them minors and 30 adults who were caught drinking along the streets and walking around half naked. Modequillo
immediately
released
the
70
minors
together with their parents after he informed them of the existing
city
ordinance
and
the
dangers
of
allowing
minors to roam the streets late at night. Meanwhile, the 30 adults were ordered to do 40 pushups as punishment. Rank 16. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite of warnings given obtained the lowest mean of 2.37 interpreted as slightly implemented. The findings implies that the implementers are not strictly enforcing the provisions of the ordinance on curfew for minors. Buya-an asserted that some Barangay officials are giving favor to business owners especially if they knew each other. In corroboration to this, Fedcha (2011) found out that the enforcement of closure of business establishment is being implemented with bias. According to one of the Kagawads of Poblacion Bontoc, Mountain Province, it is true some of the business establishments are being warned 46
but it just stops there. When it comes to closure of repeated violators, sometimes it is not being carried out. Ranked fifteen, is imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or any amusements garnered the second lowest with a weighted mean of 2.38 interpreted as slightly implemented. This means that there is difficulty in collecting fines from business establishments that violates curfew for minors. One of the Barangay kagawads in Pico said that the procedure is too complicated and laborious, we have so many jobs to do that’s why we prefer to avoid conflicts with the resident because it is additional burden for us.
Rank fourteen is arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen obtained the third lowest with weighted mean of 2.66 interpreted as moderately implemented. This means that there is also difficulty in putting minors under arrest.
47
Barangay Kagawad in Balili asserted that it is difficult to arrest gang members who are minors because of RA 9344 (juvenile justice and welfare act) states that a minor cannot be arrested and penalized. They will just be invited to the Barangay then turn over to the DSWD.
Differences in the level of implementation of curfew for minors according to group As gleaned from table 3.1, the Barangay officials and the PNP have a higher level of perception on the level of implementation of curfew for minors for the reason that they are the prime movers and are the persons responsible and accountable in implementing the curfew for minors and who are directly involved in observing what is really happening in the community. As such, the members of the PNP Table 3.1 The comparison of the level of implementation of curfew for minors as perceived by the group Barangay PNP Official Personne Parent s l s 1. Preventing the minors from drinking liquor by no allowing them to enter inside any amusement establishment; 3.34 2.77 2.41 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous drugs; 3.37 2.05 2.61 3. Imposing fines to business 2.91 1.86 2.25 establishments which permit 48
minors to drink inside their bar or any amusements; 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite of warnings given; 5. Preventing minors from loitering during night time; 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to commit crime; 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (Mode of Operation) of the minors in committing crimes particularly on robbery; 8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community; 9. Strictly implementing curfew to protect the minors from adults and fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen; 13. Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting them out; 14. Educating and informing 49
3.03
1.82
2.18
3.44
2.45
2.54
3.62
3.18
2.69
3.35
3.18
2.55
3.69
3.36
2.55
3.31
3.41
2.63
3.44
3.59
2.64
3.26
3.14
2.48
3.29
2.91
2.16
2.88 3.24
3.14 3.32
2.50 2.58
parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian; 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 16. Helping the economic development of the community. Average Fcomp= 20.898
p-value= 0.00
3.47
3.09
2.48
3.58 3.11
3.18 3.07
2.71 2.89
F.05= 3.204
significant
are very much confident on their performance when it comes to the implementation of curfew for minors, this is evident in the overall mean of 3.11 and 3.07, interpreted as very much implemented respectively. However, the other group of respondent which is the parents have a lower level of perception garnered only 2.89 weighted mean, this implies that the community is expecting for more from the implementers of the ordinance. Statistical analysis shows that the p-value of 0.00 is less than the alpha value of 0.05 level of significance which means that there are significant differences in the level of implementation of curfew on minors according to group. Therefore, there is enough evidence to accept the hypothesis that there is 50
significant differences in the level of implementation of curfew on minors as perceived by the groups of respondents. The finding implies that respondents perceived that there is different level of implementation of curfew on minors La Trinidad, Benguet. This is the reason why one of the residents in Buyagan, Poblacion stated that Law enforcers imposed the law according to the status in life of the violators.
Degree of Seriousness of the problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors as perceived by the group. The degree of seriousness of the problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors were shown in Table 4. It was shown that the overall mean is 2.96 which is interpreted as moderately serious. Table 4. Degree of seriousness of problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors Descriptive Ran Indicators W.M Equivalent k 1. Public apathy, allowing minors 2.9 Moderately to stay out in a public place; 5 Serious 10 2. Business owners allow minors to Highly drink inside any amusement place; 3.3 Serious 2 3. The public does not care even if the enforcers are around to 2.9 Moderately implement the curfew program; 6 Serious 9 4. Number of police officers who 3.3 Highly 1 51
are directly involved in the implementation of curfew is not enough to cover the whole municipality; 5. Police cars are unavailable for transportation; 6. Lack of gas allocation for vehicles; 7. There are still minors present in public places during curfew is not being implemented; 8. Sometimes curfew is not being implemented; 9. There are those elective officials and enforcers of curfew who does not support the program; 10. There’s lack of discipline of minors; 11. Enforcers abuse their authority in implementing the curfew; 12. Public does not divulge information to the enforcers; 13. The minors are armed; 14. Violators are in the influence of drugs and or intoxicating liquor; 15. Violators are mentally deranged; 16. There are many bad influences, fraternities/Sororities within the community; and 17. Parents/Guardians permit, or insufficient control allow the minor to remain at any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the municipality during curfew hours. Average
52
3 2.8 8 2.7 8
Serious Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
3.1 2 3.1 1
Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
2.8 3.0 9
Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
2.5 2 2.7 7 2.7 9
Moderately Serious Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
3.1 2 2.7 4
Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
3.0 4
Moderately Serious
3.0 6 2.9 6
Moderately Serious Moderately Serious
10 14 3.5 5 11 6 17 15 12 3.5 16 8
7
This implies that there are many problems still being encountered by the implementers of curfew for minors as perceived by the respondents. PO3 Balanoy revealed that there is lack of full cooperation of different government agencies concern, lack of facilities to cater to the needs of the curfew for minors and financial and logistics need is insufficient such as mobile car. Ranked one, is number of police officers who are directly involved in the implementation of curfew is not enough to cover the whole municipality garnered the highest mean of 3.33 interpreted as highly serious because violators tend to thrive when PNP personnel and Barangay officials are not visible to the public. The finding implies that the most common problem perceived by the respondents is the absence of police officer in the neighborhood. SPO1 Tumingeb said that one of the reasons why this is identified as highly serious is because people are already accustomed with the presence of police officer. Whatever problems the community had such as fire or broken lights the first agency this problem will be
53
referred to is the police, although it is the job of fire department or BENECO. The police are the first line of defense against crime. It has been concluded that crime will be reduced if the number of police will be increased. The PNP has targeted a 1:700 police-to-population ratio in 2010; 1:600 in 2020; and 1:500 in 2030. The actual police-to population ratio for 2010 was registered at 1:662, better than the target. With the hiring of additional police officers, the ratio has further improved to 1:620 as of March 2013.
However, the Philippines still fares
poorly compared to its Asian neighbors In contrast, Margaret Weigel (2011) said that A curfew’s impact is not dependent on the number of police officers enforcing it. Parents appear to be the primary curfew enforcers, and that “municipal curfews act as focal point in the establishment of household policies.” Business owners allow minors to drink inside any amusement place rank number 2 with a weighted mean of 3.3 which is interpreted as highly serious. This implies that despite of many laws being enforced many Business owners remain opened for minors.
54
(Personal Interview) Batoyong (2016)”I have to do violate some rules because I am paying high rentals and taxes and my collection for groceries is never enough to sustain my liabilities. So I secretly offer liquor to minors since they are my common customer revealed by a semi-bar owner”. (Personal interview) Ranked three, is there are still minors present in public places during curfew is not being implemented and violators are in the influence of drugs and or intoxicating liquor both garnered a weighted mean of 3.12 Which is interpreted as moderately serious. This means that minors are still loitering in public places because entrance is free such as in public parks, computer shops and bars and it also mean that majority of violators are under influence of drugs and liquor. In relation to this, According to Fedcha (2011) it is not only here in the Philippines that experience problems on minors who indulge in alcohol drinking. According to the International Institute for Alcohol Awareness (IIAA), underage drinking is a serious national problem that costs the United States $62.6 billion each year in deaths, injuries, property damage, and related economic and productivity losses. Tragically, illegal
55
consumption of alcohol by minors led to 3, 212 deaths and 2.4 million other harmful events in the lives in American families in 2001. In fact, underage drinkers account for about 16 percent of all alcohol consumed in the United States annually. Summary of Findings The major findings are the following: 1. The objectives of the curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet is moderately attained. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community obtained the highest mean while closing establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite warnings given have the lowest mean. 1.1 There is a significant difference on the perception of the respondents as to the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. 2. The perceptions of the respondents as to the level of implementation of curfew for minors is moderately implemented. Increasing police visibility to prevent
56
would be minor violators to commit crime and requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community have the highest rank while closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite of warnings given earned the lowest mean. 2.1 There is significant difference on the perception of respondents as to the level of implementation of curfew for minors. 3. The perceptions of the respondents as to the degree of seriousness of the problems encountered in the implementation of curfew for minors is moderately implemented. The following problems garnered the highest rank respectively: Rank 1. Number of police officers who are directly involved in the implementation of curfew is not enough to cover the whole municipality Rank 2. Business owners allow minors to drink inside any amusement place; Rank 3. There are still minors present in public places during curfew is not being implemented.
57
CHAPTER 4 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS This chapter presents the conclusions and recommendations as regards the curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Conclusions The study deduced the following conclusions in relation to the specific problems of the study: 1. The moderate attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors is attributed to the unforeseen factors that affects the attainment of the objectives like occurrence of emergencies, special holidays and events such as Adivay where attention of law enforcers are diverted, and also some minors are not aware that there is such curfew on minors in La Trinidad that’s why they are loitering in public places. 2. The implementation of curfew on minors is moderate due to inevitable factors such as lack of
58
manpower, insufficient budget and uncooperative parents. Moreover, some young people are unwilling to cooperate for they believe it is a violation of their rights to travel. 3. Lack of full cooperation of different government agencies concern, lack of facilities to cater to the needs of the curfew for minors and financial and logistics need is insufficient such as mobile car are the reasons why the problems encountered in the implementation of curfew on minors is highly serious. Recommendations In view of the findings and conclusions derived from the study, the following are recommended: 1. The Law Enforcers and the Barangay officials must endeavor to strictly enforce the law especially closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar by filing corresponding case to court immediately. Thus, other would be violator will hesitate to do the same. 2. The law enforcers and Barangay officials must make sure that business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or amusement will be sued in court.
59
3. The PNP and other law enforcement bodies must endeavor to arrest gang members so that they will not influence more minors to join them and must initiate strong coordination with DSWD for more productive intervention such as professional counselling. 4. The PNP, Barangay officials and the community members must endeavor to request the authorities concerned for more PNP personnel to be deployed in the different Barangays. 5. The law enforcement bodies must initiate partnership with the parents in preventing minors from loitering in public places with in curfew hours. 6. Funded researches on the responsiveness and implementation of curfew on minors must be initiated and carried out for further development. 7. Further researches are encouraged to be conducted in order to make assessments on the strategies currently employed by the authorities for a more productive curfew on minors. 8. There should be a clear cut policies in imposing fines to business establishment who are coddling minors.
60
REFERENCES Adams. K. (2003) The effectiveness of juvenile curfews at crime prevention. Retrieved on Dec.13, 2015 from http://www.nyclu.org/files/gv
_curfew_study-(9th
Ed.). U. S. A: Thomson Wadsworth. Araneta, S. (2012) Manila to enforce curfew for minors during summer break. Retrieved on January 15, 2016 from http://www.philstar.com/.../manila-enforcecurfew-minors-during-summer-bre... Asuncion, W. (2016) Review of Curfew edict up. Retrrieved on June 30, 2016 from http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com. ph/city.asp? mode=%20archives/2016/june/6-26-2016/city4-Reviewof-curfew-edict-up.txt Balangen, C. (2011) Young Lurkers at Night: Awareness and Compliance of Selected La Trinidad High School Students on Curfew Ordinance. Retrieved on August 6, 2016 from
61
http://digilib.bsu.edu.ph/greenstone/collect/undergr a/index/assoc/HASH017f.dir/doc.pdf Brannen, S. (2002). Thresholds mentoring juvenile justice ministry in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Retrieved on February 12, 2016 from http://yvj.sagepub.com/content/6/4323.full.pdf Caleca, A. (2003) DOJ backs nationwide curfew proposal for minors. Retrieved on April 8 2016 from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/199871/doj-backsnationwide-curfew-proposal-minors Cochran, T. (1997) U.S. Conference of Mayors. A Status Report on Youth curfews in America’s Cities. Retrieved on May 15, 2016 from usmayors.org/publications/curfew.htm Fedcha, R., (2011) Curfew for minors in the Municipality of Bontoc, Moutain Province. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Baguio, Baguio City. Find Law, (2013). Juvenile Curfew Laws-The Basics. Retrieved on August 4, 2016 from http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminalcharges/juvenile-curfew-laws-the-basics.html Kiglasan, H.A., (1999) The anti-vice campaign of the Baguio City Police office, 1998. Unpublished
62
Master’s thesis, Baguio Central University, Baguio City. Kline, P. (2011). The Impact of Juvenile Curfew Laws on Arrests of Youth and Adults. Retrieved on August 2, 2016 from NBER
[email protected]. http://eml.berkeley.edu/~pkline/papers/curfews_resu bmit.pdf Manwong, R. and Delizo D., (2006). Law Enforcement Administration: A textbook in Criminology. Philippines: RK Manwong Publications. Manwong, R. K. (2008). Fundamentals of criminology. Philippines: Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc. Ramos, F. V., (1975). Ang tala. Philippine Daily Express, 6. Regalado, E. (2016) Nationwide curfew, liquor ban eyed. Retrieved on July 20, 2016 from http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/06/28/1597392 /nationwide-curfew-liquor-ban-eyed Seigel, L. (2004). Criminology, theories, patterns and typologies (8th ed.). Massachusetts: Thomson Wadsworth. Seigel, L., Welsh, B., & Senna J. (2007). Juvenile Deliquency
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Shatz, Zhang, and McGrath (1999) Effect of a curfew law on juvenile trauma.
Retrieved on July 20, 2016 from
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10608527 Solmerin, F. (2013) Curfew for minors to be enforced. Retrieved on June 12, 2016 from http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/2013/04/12/curfew -of-minors-to-be-enforced/ Southern Illinois University, (2006). What is crime prevention. Retrieved on June 23, 2016 from http://www.dps.siu.edu/cp_what_is_cp.htm Tradio, C. (1994). Introduction to criminology. Revised edition: 92 Quezon Avenue, Q.C. Law Book publishing. West’s encyclopedia of American law, (2nd ed.). (2008). Retrieved on June 26, 2016 from http://www.encyclopedia.com/toopic/Ku_Klux_Klan.asp x Youth Protection Ordinance, (2013). Curfew hours for minors. Retrieved on February 13, 2016 from http://www.haywardca.gov/CITY.../CITY.../CurfewHoursforMinors.pdf
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APPENDICES Appendix A Communication Letters July 7, 2016 PCI RADINO S. BELLY Chief of Police La Trinidad, Benguet Dear SIR: Greetings! The undersigned student of Cordillera Career Development College is conducting a study entitled “Curfew for Minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Administration. In this regard, may he find favor in your good office to allow him administer his questionnaire and conduct informal interviews among the personnel of La Trinidad Municipal Police Office. Rest assured that whatever data and/ or information gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and be taken and analyzed in an objective manner.
65
He is looking forward to your favorable response and may you find his request worthy of your approval. Thank you very much and God bless! Respectfully yours, LOURENCE B. MIGUEL Researcher Noted by DR. ABELLO K. FERNANDO Adviser DR. MARINA SAGANDOY Dean, Graduate School
July 7, 2016 ROMEO K. SALDA Mayor La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear SIR: Greetings! The undersigned student of Cordillera Career Development College is conducting a study entitled “Curfew for Minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Administration. In this regard, may he find favor in your good office to allow him administer his questionnaire and conduct informal interviews among the Barangay officials and some parents in your Barangay. Rest assured that whatever data and/ or information gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and be taken and analyzed in an objective manner. He is looking forward to you favorable response and may you find his request worthy of your approval.
66
Thank you very much and God bless! Respectfully yours,
LOURENCE B. MIGUEL Researcher Noted by DR. ABELLO K. FERNANDO Adviser DR. MARINA SAGANDOY Dean, Graduate School
PETER D. COMILAY Punong Barangay Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet Dear SIR: Greetings! The undersigned student of Cordillera Career Development College is conducting a study entitled “Curfew for Minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Public Administration. In this regard, may he find favor in your good office to allow him administer his questionnaire and conduct informal interviews among the Barangay officials and some parents in your Barangay. Rest assured that whatever data and/ or information gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and be taken and analyzed in an objective manner. He is looking forward to you favorable response and may you find his request worthy of your approval. Thank you very much and God bless!
67
Respectfully yours,
LOURENCE B. MIGUEL Researcher Noted by DR. ABELLO K. FERNANDO Adviser DR. MARINA SAGANDOY Dean, Graduate School
Appendix B Questionnaire CORDILLERA CAREER DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE Poblacion La Trinidad, Benguet GRADUATE SCHOOL
Dear Respondent: The undersigned student of Cordillera Career Development College is conducting a research entitled “Curfew on Minors in the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet” in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Administration. In this regard, my he request your assistance by answering the attached survey questionnaire. Honest response to each item is needed so as to obtain reliable data relative to the said study. 68
Rest assured that all information that will be gathered shall be treated with utmost confidentiality.
Thank you so much and God bless!
Respectfully yours,
Lourence B. Miguel Researcher
Name (optional):_____________________________ Group: ____PNP Personnel
____Barangay Official
_____Parent
I. The level of attainment of the objectives of curfew on minors. Direction: Please put a check mark ( ) on the box that corresponds to your perception with regards to the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Use the following scale: 4 –Much Implemented (MI) 3 – Moderately implemented (MI) 2 – Slightly implemented (SI) 1 – Not implemented (NI)
Indicators 1. Preventing the minors from drinking 69
MI 4
MI 3
SI 2
NI 1
liquor by no allowing them to enter inside any amusement establishment; 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous drugs; 3. Imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or any amusements; 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite of warnings given; 5. Preventing minors from loitering during night time; 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to commit crime; 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (Mode of Operation) of the minors in committing crimes particularly on robbery; 8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community; 9. Strictly implementing curfew to protect the minors from adults and fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen; 13.Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting
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them out; 14. Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian. 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 16. Helping the economic development of the community. II. The level of implementation of curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Direction: Please put a check mark ( ) on the box that corresponds to your perception with regards to the level of attainment of the objectives of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Use the following scale: 4 – Much Attained (MA) 3 – Moderately Attained (MA) 2 – Slightly Attained (SA) 1 – Not Attained (NA)
Indicators 1. Preventing the minors from drinking liquor by no allowing them to enter inside any amusement establishment; 2. Arresting those persons who are selling, using, possessing, and transporting dangerous drugs; 3. Imposing fines to business establishments which permit minors to drink inside their bar or any amusements; 4. Closing business establishments which deliberately allows minors to drink inside their bar, despite of warnings given;
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MA 4
MA 3
SA 2
NA 1
5. Preventing minors from loitering during night time; 6. Increasing police visibility to prevent would be minor violators to commit crime; 7. Educating and or informing the community on the modus operandi (Mode of Operation) of the minors in committing crimes particularly on robbery; 8. Safeguarding the people, and preserving peace and order in the community by conducting patrol and inspection in the community; 9. Strictly implementing curfew to protect the minors from adults and fellow minors; 10. Requiring minors to go home earlier to avoid bad influence from gang members of the community; 11. Suppressing and or abolishing any bad fraternity or sorority; 12. Arresting gang members who are bad influence to the minors and giving them proper counseling for them to stop and be law-abiding citizen; 13. Detaining minors who violate curfew and immediately informing the parents then conducting counseling before letting them out; 14. Educating and informing parents, guardians with regard to supervision, which helps them to be responsible parent or guardian. 15. Strengthening the relationship between enforcers and members of the community, with regard to counselling of minors; and 16. Helping the economic development of the community.
III. Degree of seriousness of Problems Encountered in the implementation curfew on minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Direction: Please put a check mark ( ) on the box that corresponds to your perception with regards to the degree of seriousness encountered in the implementation of curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Degree of seriousness of Problems Encountered in the implementation curfew for minors in La Trinidad, Benguet. Use the following scale: 4 –Highly Serious (VS)
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3 – Moderately Serious (MS) 2 – Slightly Serious (SS) 1 – Not a Problem (NaP)
Indicators What is the degree of seriousness of problems in the following: 1. Public apathy, allowing minors to stay out in a public place; 2. Business owners allow minors to drink inside any amusement place; 3. The public does not care even if the enforcers are around to implement the curfew program; 4. Number of police officers who are directly involved in the implementation of curfew is not enough to cover the whole municipality; 5. Police cars are unavailable for transportation; 6. Lack of gas allocation for vehicles; 7. There are still minors present in public places during curfew is not being implemented; 8. Sometimes curfew is not being implemented; 9. There are those elective officials and enforcers of curfew who does not support the program; 10. There’s lack of discipline of minors; 11. Enforcers abuse their authority in implementing the curfew; 12. Public does not divulge information to the enforcers; 13. The minors are armed; 14. Violators are in the influence of drugs and or intoxicating liquor; 15. Violators are mentally deranged; 16. There are many bad influences, fraternities/Sororities within the community; and 17. Parents/Guardians permit, or insufficient control allow the minor to remain at any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the municipality during curfew hours.
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HS 4
MS 3
SS 2
NaP 1
CURRICULLUM VITAE
LOURENCE BUASEN MIGUEL Dupax del Norte, Nueva Viscaya PERSONAL INFORMATION Date of Birth
January 12, 1978
Place of Birth
Atok, Benguet
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Citizenship
Filipino
Civil Status
Married
Provincial Address
Nueva Viscaya
Name of Spouse
Rosebel Buya-an Miguel
Name of Children
Hezekiah B. Miguel Jeshurun B. Miguel
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND Graduate Studies
Masters in Public Administration
Tertiary
Bachelor of Science in Criminology Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) April 2000
Secondary
Lamo National Highschool Dupax del Norte, Nueva Viscaya March 1995
Elementary
Bitnong Elementary School Dupax del Norte, Nueva Viscaya March 1990
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Instructor 4
Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) June 2001 – present
TEST TAKEN/ELIGIBILITIES Criminologist Licensure Examination Baguio City October 2000 75
Civil Service Professional September 2000 Civil Service Eligibility for Police Officer August 2000
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