ILOILO City — Spurred by reports of harassment and theft allegedly involving individuals claiming to be “Badjao” in public areas and near schools, the city government has reactivated the Task Force Badjao to tighten monitoring and enforcement, especially with the onset of the busy “ber” months.
The Badjao, a nomadic seafaring people originally from the southern Philippines, are known for their maritime culture but some have migrated to urban areas. Poverty has pushed them to street begging and itinerant livelihoods.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said the move comes as incidents circulating on social media show harassment in restaurants, public spaces, and school zones.
“Per history, naga-data ni sila kun maglapit ang Paskwa, amo nga temprano pa lang, ginapasangkad na naton ang monitoring kag enforcement,” she explained.
Treñas assured the public that city authorities are working to keep public spaces, food establishments, and schools safe. She said she is in close coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office, the Public Order and Safety Management Office, and the City Social Welfare and Development Office for a stronger presence and faster response to complaints.
“Kabalo kita nga may legal kag humanitarian aspects sa pag-atubang sini nga isyu. Apang klaro nga indi kita maga-akomodar sang harassment, pagpangawat, kag bisan ano nga porma sang pagpang-abuso sa aton pumuluyo kag kabataan,” she stressed.
One widely shared post that drew public concern came from Facebook user Bree Kaela, who recounted an unsettling experience inside a downtown restaurant. She said a male individual approached her table asking for her soft drink twice, and after being refused, harassed other customers before returning, standing in front of her, and grabbing her leftover pancit.
Kaela said she screamed in shock, but the man, who appeared to be a minor, remained unfazed. She feared confronting him, suspecting he might be armed.
She also cited another incident where an alleged Badjao harassed students near Iloilo National High School.
In her post, Kaela questioned the city’s response, suggesting that such individuals be gathered in a facility for rehabilitation and discipline.
“Nga-a wala may naubra para panipunon sila kag ibutang sa isa ka facility para magpalahimunong kag madisiplina? Kis-a naga-paminsar ka pa nga mag-walking sa Esplanade pero may kahadlok ka na,” she wrote.
Treñas reiterated that while the humanitarian side of the matter will be respected, safeguarding the public is paramount.
“Iloilo City must remain safe for everyone, taga-dirî man ukon bisita,” she said./PN