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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Valenzuela LGU declares street gang members persona non grata

Valenzuela LGU declares street gang members persona non grata

Published Jun 16, 2025 02:19 pm
Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian has declared all identified street gang members as persona non grata, reinforcing the city government’s stand against rising youth gang violence.
In photo: Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie
In photo: Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian, along with Northern Police District (NPD) Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) Community Affairs chief Maj. Randy Llanderal, Task Force on Fraternities and Gangs Intervention and Prevention (TAFFGIP) Action Officer and Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, and Schools Division Office (SDO) Superintendent Noel Bagano during a press conference at Dalandanan National High School on Monday, June 16. (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
In photo: Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie
In photo: Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes" Gatchalian, along with Northern Police District (NPD) Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) Community Affairs chief Maj. Randy Llanderal, Task Force on Fraternities and Gangs Intervention and Prevention (TAFFGIP) Action Officer and Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, and Schools Division Office (SDO) Superintendent Noel Bagano during a press conference at Dalandanan National High School on Monday, June 16. (Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
During a press conference at Dalandanan National High School on Monday, June 16, Gatchalian unveiled City Ordinance No. 1262, Series of 2025, which prohibits the formation and operation of street gangs, the recruitment of minors, and any gang-related activity that disrupts public peace and safety.
“Bawal ang street gangs sa Valenzuela. Hindi natin papayagan ang mga grupong ito na sirain ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan (Street gangs are prohibited in Valenzuela. The city will not allow these groups to ruin the future of its youth),” Gatchalian said.
The mayor said that the alarming presence of gangs in schools has reached crisis levels, with gang recruitment reportedly taking place in 60 to 70 percent of schools in the city. 
The city council also passed Resolution No. 3467, formally declaring gang members as persona non grata, a symbolic and legal move underscoring Valenzuela’s zero-tolerance policy on gang violence.
Gatchalian expressed alarm over reports that 60 to 70 percent of schools in Valenzuela have experienced incidents of gang recruitment, calling the situation a crisis that must be addressed urgently.
The local government is now rolling out a multi-sectoral approach involving parents, teachers, barangay leaders, and law enforcement to identify, prevent, and dismantle gang operations.
Residents are encouraged to report any gang-related activity to the TAFFGIP hotline at (02) 8352-1000 local 1828 or 2972.
“Sa Valenzuela, hindi natin palalagpasin ang gang violence. Sama-sama nating itatayo ang isang ligtas at maayos na komunidad para sa lahat,” Gatchalian said. 
The event was attended by Northern Police District (NPD) Director Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) Community Affairs chief Maj. Randy Llanderal,  Task Force on Fraternities and Gangs Intervention and Prevention (TAFFGIP) Action Officer and Councilor Ghogo Deato Lee, and Schools Division Office (SDO) Superintendent Noel Bagano.

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metronews Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie \"Wes\" Gatchalian Valenzuela City Police Station Northern Police District (NPD)
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