Nineteen persons reportedly begging on the streets of Bacolod were rescued after the city government conducted a joint surveillance and rescue operation Oct. 11.
The interagency Badjao Operation took in nine mendicants from the Badjao community, with seven adults and two minors; seven minors classified as children-at-risk, two elderly persons with disabilities, and one individual showing signs of a mental health condition.
The operation ensued after Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the creation of two surveillance and apprehension teams, including the rescue of at-risk or exploited minor mendicants, following recent reports of Badjaos allegedly harassing women in public spaces. There were also complaints of coercing or abusing locals when they refused to give money.
“It is important that we give these mendicants proper case management and intervention,” Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said in a city press release Oct 12.
“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,” she added.
The rescued individuals were found at the Bacolod public plaza and near the Bredco port. They were immediately transported to the Bacolod Arts & Youth Sports Center, where they were assessed, profiled, and given an orientation. Relevant national laws and local measures related to mendicancy were also explained to the rescued individuals to ensure that their human rights are protected, the city said.
Minors and vulnerable individuals received appropriate interventions and were returned to their families after processing, with their parents received warning from authorities. Other mendicants, meanwhile, were provided with temporary shelter, as well as food, clean water, and other basic necessities to prevent them from panhandling on the streets.
This initiative aligns with Bacolod City Ordinance 146-1995, which addresses mendicancy through a balanced approach of regulation and social support. Now under review for amendments, the ordinance defines mendicants as “individuals capable of working but who engage in begging”. Penalties are also outlined for repeat offenses and the exploitation of minors.
“To support a long-term solution, the ordinance includes provisions for rehabilitation, education, and reintegration programs aimed at helping individuals transition away from street begging,” City Administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said.
Public awareness campaigns also play a key role, such as encouraging community members to contribute through official channels, like DSSD, rather than direct almsgiving, he added.
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 key areas across the city where Badjao mendicants are often spotted.
These include the Lopue’s East area, Burgos Public Market, Shopping La Salle, Ramos Street, North and South terminals, Lacson Street, Libertad, City Heights, Bangga Cory, Bredco port, public plaza, and along 888 China Town Square.
Mendicants from the Badjao community claimed to be from Jolo, Sulu; Oton, Iloilo City; and Zamboanga del Sur. Most of them failed to present valid identification cards or recall their child’s birth date.
The city government, meanwhile, will implement a reunification program to facilitate the safe return of these mendicants to their respective places of origin.
Verdeprado-Mangga also encouraged 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 146 states that any person who encourages or abets mendicancy by giving alms directly to mendicants, exploited infants, and minors on the streets, public roads, sidewalks, or parks shall be imposed a fine of P50, or one-day imprisonment, or both, at the discretion of the court.
For related complaints or concerns, the City Legal Office is offering free legal assistance to ensure that cases are officially documented and that offenders are effectively and swiftly held responsible. Contact 0909-640-7382 (TNT) and 0926-751-4615 (Globe), the city’s hotlines on addressing mendicancy cases.
Gasataya assured the public that the city remains committed to assisting mendicants in need while maintaining a safe environment for all Bacolodnons.
“Bacolod extends a hand and a smile to those in need, but it will raise a firm fist against those who choose to abuse that kindness. The moment you lay a hand or threaten our people, especially women, you are no longer a mendicant; you are an offender, and this city will deal with you as such,” he stressed. ||
