Nineteen mendicants reportedly begging on the streets were rescued by Bacolod City government joint surveillance and rescue operatives on Saturday, October 11.
The interagency Badjao Operation took in nine mendicants from the Badjao community (seven adults and two minors), seven minors classified as children-at-risk (CARS), two elderly persons with disabilities (PWDs), and one individual showing signs of mental health issues, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office (BCCO) said.
The operation ensued after Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the creation of two surveillance and apprehension teams, including the rescue of children at risk or exploited minor mendicants, following a recent incident of Badjaos or mendicants allegedly harassing women in public spaces.
There were also additional complaints regarding suspects allegedly coercing and abusing locals when they refused to give money.
“It is important that we give these mendicants proper case management and intervention. At the same time, this is our response to complaints about concerning actions from members of the Badjao community that affect public safety. We want to strengthen our visibility with other agencies involved,” Dr. Richelle Verdeprano-Mangga, Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head, said.
The rescued individuals were found at the Bacolod City Public Plaza and near the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO) seaport area.
They were immediately transported to the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports (BAYS) Center, where they were assessed, profiled, and given an orientation, the BCCO said.
During the operation, over 25 personnel composed of representatives from DSSD, Bacolod City Police Office, City Legal Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Mayor’s Office, City Administrator’s Office, Office of Councilor Israel Salanga, and Bacolod City Communications Office scoured various areas within the city where Badjao mendicants are often spotted.
Areas inspected included the Lopues East area, Burgos Public Market, Shopping La Salle, Ramos Street, North and South Terminals, Lacson Street, Libertad, City Heights, Bangga Cory, BREDCO Port, Bacolod City Public Plaza, and along 888 China Town Square Bacolod.
Mendicants from the Badjao community claimed to be from Jolo, Sulu; Oton, Iloilo City; and Zamboanga del Sur. Upon scrutiny, most of them failed to present valid identification cards or recall their child’s birth date, the BCCO said.
The city government will implement a reunification program to facilitate the safe return of the mendicants to their respective places of origin. While they are still under the assistance and facilitation of the city government, the interagency team is actively coordinating with the local government units, particularly the City Social Welfare and Development Offices, of the rescued individuals’ originating localities, the BCCO added.
Verdeprano- Mangga said the public to avoid directly giving money to mendicants, as doing so carries corresponding penalties under the city ordinance.
“Rather than giving money (to mendicants) —because our act of giving them money further motivates them to keep begging—we can refer them to the DSSD office for proper case management,” she said.
Section 6(d) of CO No. 146 indicates that any person who encourages or abets mendicancy by giving alms directly to mendicants, exploited infants, and minors in the streets, public roads, sidewalks, or parks shall be imposed a fine of ₱50 or imprisonment for a period of one day, or both, at the discretion of the court, the BCCO said.
Gasataya assured the public that the local government remains committed to assisting mendicants in need while maintaining a safe environment for all Bacolodnons.*