Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu said street beggars, often referred to as ‘Badjaos’ or ‘sea gypsies,’ have returned to the city, affirming, his agency has begun monitoring their presence.

Based on the most current data, an estimated 27 beggars are currently present in the La Paz and Mandurriao districts, with 80 percent having previously been ejected from the city last December.

The PSTMO assured city residents rounding-up operations would be taking place, explaining, they had been delayed recently due to poor weather conditions.

Last May, PSTMO discouraged the public from giving to beggars, pointing out, the practice is prohibited by law.

“There is a national law that prohibits us [from giving] alms to those who are begging on the streets,” Conlu stated.

Presidential Decree No. 1563, or the Mendicancy Law of 1978, indicates mendicancy, or begging, “breeds crime, creates traffic hazards, endangers health, and exposes mendicants to indignities and degradation.” According to the law, signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos, those found begging, particularly children eight years old and below being exploited, will be apprehended.

Last year, the Bacolod City Department of Social Services and Development made a similar call, noting, beggars often arrive in the city during certain occasions, such as the MassKara Festival and Christmas, and ask for money on the streets./WDJ