• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance prohibiting the leaving of minors unattended in residences without parental or legal guardian supervision, and the exposure of minors to fire hazards and other potentially harmful environments, was recently passed on first reading by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, the ordinance said recent tragic incidents in local communities involving house fires caused by unattended candles have led to the deaths of three children, all of whom were left at home without adult supervision.
Children are particularly vulnerable to hazards such as open flames, electrical appliances, and toxic materials when unsupervised, making it necessary to implement clear and enforceable safety measures at the household level, it said.
It is the responsibility of every parent, legal guardian, and adult caregiver to ensure a safe home environment and to prevent the exposure of minors to situations that may cause harm or death, the ordinance said.
There is an urgent need to institutionalize preventive policies and response systems to protect children from avoidable home-related injuries or fatalities, it said.
The ordinance provides that it will be unlawful for any parent, legal guardian, or person exercising parental authority or custody to: leave a minor unattended at home or in any dwelling place; leave a minor in an environment where hazardous materials or conditions are present and unsupervised; and fail to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of children in the home environment.
Penalties for violation of the ordinance are as follows: first offense – written warning and mandatory attendance in a Parenting and Home Safety Seminar to be conducted by the Department of Social Services and Development; second offense – a fine of P2,000 and eight hours of community service; and third and subsequent offenses: a fine of P5,000, and/or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, at the court’s discretion.
Where negligence results in serious injury or death of a child, appropriate criminal charges under national laws will be filed.*
