“We see how minors start clearing common areas before the clock strikes 8pm “They are leaving town and running towards their homes to escape the police,” said Tocancipá resident Johana Acosta.
According to figures from the Security Observatory, the municipality of Cundinamarca, located 40 minutes from Bogota, is one of the municipalities that contributes the most to the department’s crime rate; your mayor, Walfrando Forero Bejarano declares curfew for children under 18 From 8pm to 6am starting January 1st.
(You may also be interested in: Homicides fell 23% in Bogotá in January: the biggest drop in at least 6 years)
More than 45,000 people live here, many of whom are affected by the insecurity that has plagued the municipality in recent years.
Because of the curfew for minors, or “Walfrando law” as some call it, residents of Tocancipá say the municipality is almost deserted after 8 p.m. You can’t hear the children playing, laughing, or running from side to side.
“It seems to me that this is a bit of a drastic measure, but it is appropriate for problems such as insecurity and substance abuse of minors in all municipalities of La Sabana,” Acosta said. It’s boring when the police have to take action and take away minors.
Although many residents say it’s a strong decision, they say it’s good and they agree. According to Ruth León, the mother of the family, the municipality has become a center of vice and insecurity.
“There are old people here who take children to places they shouldn’t go. Not every little child needs to be on the street late at night,” Leon said.
Mother Marcela González, the head of the household, told this newspaper that she felt that peace and security had increased since the implementation of the night curfew.
One man, who preferred to remain anonymous, said it was a good precaution to have control over teenagers because, as he said, “There’s a lot of drug dealing and that’s not what we want for our children. It’s better to have that control so they don’t stay out late at night.” “This causes many problems and harm to families.”
According to the Decree No. 005 dated January 1, 2024, minors will be able to move around during curfew hours only in cases such as appointments, health emergencies, or participation in court order proceedings, provided that they are accompanied by their mother, father or legal representative. The rule is in effect and will continue until April 30.
According to data provided by the Tocancipá Police, in 2023 there were eight cases of personal injury against minors, three cases of violent sexual intercourse, three cases of violent sexual act, 11 cases of abusive sexual intercourse with a child under 14 years of age, 9 cases of sexual violence. Acting with a minor under the age of 14 and two sexual predators. Also a case of soliciting commercial sexual exploitation of a person under the age of 18.
There were 64 cases of domestic violence involving minors, 14 cases of personal theft; Two are exploitation, one is extortion.
It is worth noting that the curfew measure for children under the age of 18 was also accepted by the mayor of Nemocón, Cristian Carrillo, on January 3. However, the flights there start an hour later, that is, at 9 at night.
According to the Municipality of Tocancipá, in case of violation of the norm, the sanctions established in the Childhood and Adolescence Law No. 1898 of 2028 and the Law on National Security and Coexistence of Citizens No. 1801 of 2016 will be applied. .
Thus, corrective measures such as a type 4 fine corresponding to 693 thousand 328 pesos will be applied to the parents of minor children who do not comply with the rule.
According to the Tocancipá Police report, approximately 17 summonses were issued in January for non-compliance with traffic restrictions after 20:00.
In addition, if a child who is on the street during prohibited hours states that he does not feel comfortable and safe with his parents, a process can be initiated before the family police station or the Colombian Family Welfare Institute. ICBF).
Tocancipá Mayor Walfrando Forero Bejarano says that his decision was shared with municipal residents in more than 250 meetings he held last year while campaigning for mayor, and that it was the parents themselves who wanted this decision to be made. He would implement it.
“Parents greatly applauded the curfew from 8pm due to their anxiety and lack of control over their children. We have been doing this for a month now and it has produced excellent results, parents are grateful,” said Forero.
Likewise, the mayor explained that he found the municipality in a state of disorder, with gangs, organized groups, micro-commerce and “where everyone wants to do what they want, there are underage people in discos and taverns.”
He added that he would not be flexible in security measures to protect children until the emerging irregularities, theft and micro-human trafficking problems are put in order. Forero also explained that the authorities intervened and carried out operations during the curfew.
In fact, the mayor believes that other municipalities should do the same. “We must work regionally on security, motivating neighboring municipalities to take precautions as criminals go and hide in neighboring municipalities,” said Forero.
LOREN VALBUENA
BOGOTÁ FROM THE EDITOR
TIME
Source: Exame
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
