The Bacolod city government, through an inter-agency team spearheaded by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) Anti-Mendicancy Task Force, facilitated the safe return of 19 Badjao individuals to their hometown in Jolo, Sulu Oct. 27.
The group, which included seven minors accompanied by their parents, had been rescued during a series of operations against mendicancy across major areas in the city Oct. 11.
Two of the individuals were earlier identified in a viral video harassing jeepney passengers. One of them, Den-Den Mareta, who was seen spitting and attempting to kick a passenger, who refused to give money, was apprehended following the directive of Mayor Greg Gasataya for intensified inter-agency surveillance and rescue operations.
Although the city government extended free legal assistance, no formal complaint was filed, resulting in Mareta’s release after he issued a public apology and expressed remorse.
“I am sorry. I got angry and carried away because I was scared of not having anything to eat. I have no one here to turn to,” Mareta said, adding that he wished to return home to his daughter in Jolo, Sulu.
Anjanette Servano, DSSD–Anti-Mendicancy Task Force program coordinator, said in a city press release Oct. 28 that the group was escorted by city personnel back to their hometown to ensure their safety and proper reintegration.
“We won’t allow such activities to continue. Upon the directive of Mayor Greg, we are making sure that they are safely returned to their homes,” Servano said, also reminding the public not to give money to mendicants as it is prohibited under a city ordinance.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo, meanwhile, emphasized the city’s ongoing review of City Ordinance No. 146, series of 1995, which addresses mendicancy through a balanced approach of regulation and social intervention.
“As much as possible, we will exhaust all legal and appropriate measures to ensure they won’t go back. We are serious about protecting the public from harassment and abuse,” Mayo said.
Prior to their repatriation, the DSSD–Bacolod conducted psychosocial interventions for the minors and other vulnerable individuals.
Most of those rescued were found in areas, like Lopue’s East, Burgos Public Market, Shopping–La Salle, Ramos Street, the North and South terminals, Lacson Street, Libertad, City Heights, Bangga Cory, Bredco Port, Bacolod plaza, and 888 Chinatown Square.
The inter-agency operation was carried out in coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office, City Legal Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Administrator’s Office, City Mayor’s Office, Office of Councilor Israel Salanga, Public Order and Safety Office, and City Health Office. ||
