Rescue operation conducted for Bacolod City Badjaos, ‘rugby boys’

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) conducted a simultaneous joint operation last Wednesday to rescue Badjaos, commonly referred to as ‘sea gypsies’ and often seen begging on the street; along with ‘rugby boys,’ minors in the habit of huffing rugby, a kind of regulated solvent.

Based on a statement by the BCPO, a total 27 Badjaos and two children were rescued by the BCPO-Women and Children’s Protection Desk and the DSSD, and were brought to BCPO headquarters.

The BCPO and DSSD then conducted a dialogue and feeding program before handing the street beggars over the DSSD Anti-mendicancy Task Force, which is tasked with returning them to their place of origin.

The two street children, meanwhile, were handed over to their respective parents.

BCPO added, the operation was conducted after receiving numerous complaints regarding the presence of ‘rugby boys,’ Aetas, and Badjaos in the city.

DSSD head Pacita Tero, meanwhile, reminded the public of the anti-mendicancy ordinance and called for people to not give them money.

She added, city residents should not tolerate their “behavior of being lazy” and always relying on alms instead of working./DGB, WDJ