ILIGAN CITY — Local legislators have agreed to shorten the curfew period for residents beginning on Tuesday due to an improving security outlook in the city.
In a resolution authored by Councilor Ian Uy, the city council adjusted the curfew hours from eight hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) to only five (11 p.m. to 4 a.m.).
The resolution was approved unanimously during the council’s session on June 28.
Mayor Celso Regencia also approved the resolution.
The city government first imposed a 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. curfew on May 24, a day after terrorists attacked Marawi City.
On May 31, it was adjusted and implemented from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., which was a big blow to nighttime businesses like food joints, bars and cafés.
Establishments, including convenience stores, close here an hour before the start of
curfew.
The councilors noted that with the government already talking about the rehabilitation of Marawi, there were indications “the crisis was on its final stage,” hence the need to relax the citywide curfew hours.
Many residents who fled the fighting in Marawi sought refuge in this Lanao del Norte city, some 38 kilometers away. —Ryan Rosauro