KIDAPAWAN CITY – The local government of Pigcawayan in Cotabato province has imposed a curfew following the spate of crimes in the municipality.

MAYOR Juanito Agustin (seated left) listens to Commission on Elections official Carla Rashima Nunez during a meeting. (LGU Pigcawayan photo)
Several people were killed and injured, prompting Mayor Juanito Agustin to issue an executive order implementing the the curfew from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. for 18-years-old and below and 12 midnight to 4 a.m. for adults.
The six-month curfew took effect on April 2 and made public on Thursday. It will end on Oct. 2.
Authorities will admonish first time offenders.
Persons apprehended for a second violation will be fined P300 or render two-hour community service in the barangay where the individual was apprehended and or imprisonment of one day. Minors will render two-hour community service.
A P500 fine or five-hour community service in the barangay where the person was apprehended will be imposed for the third violation and or imprisonment of three days. Minors will serve a five-hour community service.
Transient individuals riding in motor vehicles going to or from Cotabato City or coming from opposite direction but using the highway only are exempted from the curfew.
Agustin ordered the police to intensify patrols and visibility to prevent any untoward incidents. The local government has mobilized force multipliers to assist the police.
Barangay officials requested the local government to provide additional handheld radios for emergency situations.
“Persons who, by reasons of their profession, like watchmen or security guards etc., must stay out, during the period of curfew, in going to or from his place of work, provided: Prior clearance or pass has been secured or issued to him/her by the Municipal Mayor or Chief of Police,” Agustin said.
Agustin vowed to provide all the support needed to barangay officials to curb criminality.