Brgy. to monitor Internet cafes

Officials want Internet cafes to follow rule on not allowing kids inside at certain hours

AS the opening of classes draws near, barangay officials in Mandaue City will tap the police and tanods to monitor Internet cafes.

Subangdaku Barangay Captain Ernie Manatad said he instructed barangay inspectors to check whether the establishments comply with the city ordinance prohibiting the entry of students during school hours.

Manatad said students are also not allowed to enter Internet cafes after 10 p.m.

“We are making an inventory of Internet café operators,” said Manatad, president of Mandaue’s Association of Barangay Captains.

In Subangdaku, 12 tanods will check the establishments from time to time, especially at night, said Manatad. Students spotted inside Internet cafes during school hours and after 10 p.m. will be asked to leave.

Those who refuse to heed will be brought

The City may revoke the license of Internet cafes that repeatedly violate the ordinance, Subangdaku Barangay Captain Ernie Manatad says

to the barangay hall, where their parents can fetch them.

“This is common concern not only by barangay officials, but the city officials. Mayor Jonas has instructed us to do something about the complaints of parents that their children are getting addicted to computer games,” Manatad said.

Establishments that violate the ordinance are summoned to the barangay hall.

The City may revoke the license of Internet cafes that repeatedly violate the ordinance, Manatad said.

There are more than 60 internet cafes in Subangdaku.

Last year, the barangay held a summit with Internet cafe operators. Manatad said barangay officials and the operators agreed that minors are allowed inside the Internet cafes only until 10 p.m.

Manatad urged parents to monitor their children’s activities. He lamented that while other parents complain against Internet cafes that accept school children during school hours and after 10 p.m., other parents seem not to care.

“Parents should also look out for their children,” he said.

Parents are always reminded of their role during barangay general assemblies, which is held every March and October, and during parenthood seminars, Manatad said.

He said school children in Subangdaku do not have to do their research in Internet cafes because the barangay’s public elementary and high school have computer rooms with internet.