BACOLOD City — The city government, through the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), facilitated the safe return of 19 Badjao individuals to their hometown in Jolo, Sulu on October 27.
The group, which included seven minors accompanied by their parents, had been rescued during a series of operations against mendicancy conducted across key areas of the city on October 11, 2025.
Two of the individuals were previously identified in a viral video harassing jeepney passengers. One of them, identified as Den-Den, was seen spitting and attempting to kick a passenger who refused to give money. He was apprehended following Mayor Greg Gasataya’s directive for intensified inter-agency surveillance and rescue operations.
Although the city government offered free legal assistance, no formal complaint was filed, leading to Den-Den’s release after he publicly apologized.
“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,” Den-Den said, expressing his desire to return home to his daughter in Jolo.
Anjanette Servano, DSSD–Anti-Mendicancy Task Force program coordinator, said the group was personally escorted by city personnel to ensure their safe return and proper reintegration.
“We won’t allow such activities to continue. Upon the directive of Mayor Gasataya, we are making sure that they are safely returned to their homes,” Servano added, reminding the public not to give money to mendicants as it is prohibited under city ordinance.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo emphasized the 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 return. We are serious about protecting the public from harassment and abuse,” Mayo said.
Before their repatriation, DSSD–Bacolod conducted psychosocial interventions for the minors and other vulnerable individuals.
Most of those rescued were found in areas such as Lopue’s East, Burgos Public Market, Shopping–La Salle, Ramos Street, North and South Terminals, Lacson Street, Libertad, City Heights, Bangga Cory, BREDCO Port, Bacolod Public Plaza, and 888 Chinatown Square.
The inter-agency operation involved coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office, City Legal Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Administrator’s Office, Mayor’s Office, Office of Councilor Israel Salanga, Public Order and Safety Office, and City Health Office./PN
