THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is intensifying its efforts to monitor and prevent minors from checking into hotels, inns, and other similar establishments for the upcoming Valentine’s Day celebration on Friday, February 14, 2025.
This warning comes in strict adherence to Republic Act (RA) 7610, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act,” which prohibits minors from being present in such venues.
PCol. Hansel Marantan, DCPO chief, released a statement on Thursday, February 13, ensuring the enforcement of this law.
“Any individual found violating this law — including those who exploit or facilitate the presence of minors in these establishments — will face appropriate legal action. Likewise, establishments allowing minors to check in without proper guardianship or valid reasons will also be held accountable,” he said.
He also urged the public to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activities involving minors, and contact the nearest police station for prompt action. He also emphasized that parents and guardians should closely supervise their children’s activities.
“Furthermore, we urge parents and guardians to exercise strict supervision over their children’s whereabouts and activities to prevent them from being placed in vulnerable situations. Protecting the youth is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to uphold their safety and well-being,” he added.
Meanwhile, some parents who just heard of the law expressed their approval of such law and are grateful that the authorities are fully implementing it on Valentine’s Day.
in an interview with SunStar Davao, a 48-year-old parent of two minors and a resident of Barangay Ubalde, shared her thoughts on the implementation of RA 7610, saying, "I think the law is good because it helps protect our children."
She also emphasized her family's approach to safeguarding their children's well-being, noting, "We strictly don’t allow our child to go on dates without our consent."
Meanwhile, another parent, Grace Gavinez, from South Villa, Barangay Maa, expressed strong support for RA 7610, particularly in light of concerns about the vulnerability of teenagers. She said in mixed language, "We fully support the law, especially since teenagers are often at risk of early pregnancies. It gives us peace of mind knowing there are legal protections in place to help prevent such situations."
Grace further explained that she believes the law serves as a safeguard against the pressures and risks that adolescents face, offering parents a framework to protect their children from exploitation and harmful situations.
Over the years, the DCPO has been closely monitoring inns and motels to prevent minors from being involved in potentially harmful situations. This includes actively coordinating with business owners to raise awareness about the importance of being vigilant when young couples or individuals bring minors into these establishments.
RA 7610 is a cornerstone statute in the Philippines aimed at safeguarding children's rights and welfare. Enacted on June 17, 1992, the law provides a strong legal framework for preventing and penalizing various forms of child abuse, maltreatment, exploitation, and discrimination.
Notably, it aligns with the Philippine government’s commitments under international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), underscoring the country's firm dedication to ensuring the highest level of care, protection, and development for children. DEF