BY MAE SINGUAY & DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The city’s anti-mendicancy task force is intensifying its campaign by rescuing minors in some major streets here.
Disability Affairs officer Alma Gustilo, officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), said several complaints were received by the office about some children caroling in the streets.
The 10-member task force will operate from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily in all of the areas of the city.
“The task force will rescue them to prevent untoward accidents,” Gustilo said.
She added that the task force would also round up the badjaos proliferating every time the holiday season approaches.
“Once we detect the presence of badjaos here, we will send them back to their origin,” Gustilo said.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez designated the current DSSD head on Oct. 16 following the retirement of former DSSD head Sally Abelarde.
Meanwhile, in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental province, at least 23 badjaos were returned to Zamboanga City on Sunday, Nov. 12.
The repatriation was led by the Kabankalan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), together with the Kabankalan City Police Station.
Atty. Mac Lord Zafra, City Administrator, said the initiative demonstrates the commitment of the city to address the needs of marginalized communities. It also “highlights the dedication of its leaders to fostering inclusivity and social welfare,” he added.
The badjaos were safely transported via bus and accompanied by CSWDO personnel to ensure they were safely returned.
Before their departure, the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in Western Visayas handed over allowances and food packs to the indigenous people./PN
