BACOLOD City – The city government has rescued several mendicants roaming the streets of Bacolod City after reports surfaced that they were harassing women in public areas.
The alert came after a social media post reporting such incidents reached Mayor Greg Gasataya on Friday evening, October 10. Acting swiftly, the mayor convened an urgent meeting the following morning, October 11, with City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo; representatives from the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD); Councilor Israel Salanga, chairperson of the City Council committee on social services, and Col. Joeresty Coronica, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
“We’re moving to intensify our actions against mendicancy and ensure that our women feel safe walking our streets,” Gasataya said. “With the MassKara season drawing crowds to our city, we will not tolerate any form of harassment or disturbance.”
Following operations conducted by the Surveillance and Apprehension Team from the afternoon until evening of October 11, authorities rescued nine mendicants, including seven adults and two children. The teams also assisted one individual showing signs of mental health issues, two elderly persons with disabilities, and seven minors classified as children at risk.
Gasataya said the rescued minors and vulnerable individuals received appropriate interventions and were returned to their families after processing. Assessment, profiling, and orientation were conducted at the Bay’s Center by the Surveillance and Apprehension Team.
The operation aligns with City Ordinance No. 146, Series of 1995, an anti-mendicancy law that regulates begging in the city. The ordinance imposes penalties on those engaging in mendicancy and provides care, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs for children and vulnerable individuals. It also includes provisions for referring individuals with mental health needs for proper treatment.
Gasataya emphasized that the measure penalizes repeat mendicancy and exploitation while ensuring rehabilitation and support for those in need. The ordinance is currently under review to further strengthen public safety in the city.
The City Legal Office (CLO) provides free legal assistance to individuals willing to file complaints regarding harassment. Citizens can also report incidents via the city’s dedicated hotline at TNT: 0909-640-7382 and Globe: 0926-751-4615.
The city has also established a reunification program to return mendicants to their respective communities, especially those who have been involved in harassment, coercion, or public disturbances./PN
