As the new school year approaches, the City Government of Valenzuela, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, has left words of warning for the existing street gangs in the city who were involved in illegally recruiting minors and causing havoc or disturbance in the peace and order of Valenzuela City; with statements given through a comprehensive press conference with the media and the students from the Dalandanan National High School, on June 16, 2025.
The press conference was held on the first day of the school year to serve as a reminder for students to prevent themselves from being associated with any street gangs or partaking in any illegal activities, particularly physical and sexual violence. The panel is spearheaded not only by Mayor WES but also by the governing peace and order officials such as the Action Officer for Task Force on Fraternities and Gang Intervention and Prevention (TAFFGIP), District 1 Councilor Ghogo Deato-Lee; District Director of the Northern Police District, PBGen. Josefino Ligan; OIC of Valenzuela City Police Station, PCOL. Gerson Bisayas; Chief of State Community Affairs, PMAJ. Randy Llanderal; and Schools Division Superintendent, Mr. Noel Bagano.
PMAJ. Llanderal provided an overview of the current situation revolving around gangs. He outlined the common reasons why such gangs recruited minors and also cited some of their gruesome initiation rites which is a cause of concern for the safety of the youth. There were also reported rape cases and illegal drug use that were reported. Additionally, he also stated that certain bodily marks signifying their membership to said gangs are some of the police’s leads in order to identify their so-called “OG” or “Original Gangster”, which signified the leader of the street gang.
As the police were enforcing laws of order, the City Council, represented by Councilor Ghogo Deato-Lee, had authored a firm ordinance and resolution to prevent these street gangs from forming and expanding membership across the city. He explained in the conference the City Ordinance No. 1262, Series of 2025 – also known as “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Creation and Operation of Street Gangs, Recruitment of Minors to Take Part in Violent Gang Activities, and Activities that Disrupt Public Peace and Order” — which provides administrative and criminal sanctions to whoever will be caught recruiting or causing any disturbance in the city as an active member of a gang. Section 5 provides administrative penalties for any person who violates the code: the First Offense amounts to PHP 1,000.00, the Second Offense amounts to PHP 3,000.00, and the other Succeeding Offense shall amount to PHP 5,000.00, respectively. Meanwhile, Section 7 states that should any offender fail to comply with his/her obligations, a filing of a case in the court may ensue and upon conviction thereof, they may be punished by a fine of PHP 1,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both.
In support of the Anti-Gang Ordinance, Resolution No. 3467 was also passed which declares all identified gangs in the city, and their respective members, as “persona non grata” or “unwelcomed persons” in the context of law. This is to further prevent any of their illegal operations and involve more vulnerable persons in their federation. 13 identified gangs in the city were declared persona non grata, namely:
In his statement, Mayor WES expressed his serious resolve in addressing these alarming cases of gang violence and how he intends to mobilize the city departments and the police force to sustain public safety. “Binibigyan natin ng prayoridad ang sekyuridad ng inyong mga anak, sa loob man o sa labas ng Valenzuela. One year na ho nating pinaghahandaan ang araw na ito at ang programang ito at hinahabol ang mga gangs na kumakalat sa Valenzuela.”
Lastly, PBGEN. Ligan of the Northern Police District demonstrated the police’s swift response through a test of real-time response to reported cases. This is his way of reassuring that the police are bolstering their visibility to properly monitor far-flung areas and immediately respond to any emergencies.
The collaborative efforts of the governing officials and the police force were forged to ensure public safety by heightening awareness of the issue of gangs and preventing them through the passed ordinance and resolution. To maintain a liveable Valenzuela City, the local government shall continue to exhaust means to protect the Valenzuelano youth at all times.
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