Beginning today, the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and City Social Welfare and Development (CSWDO), will begin arresting Badjaos, commonly referred to as ‘sea gypsies’ and are often seen begging on the street.

Prior to the operation, PSTMO head Jeck Conlu gathered 62 Badjaos at the Jaro covered gym to refresh them on the anti-mendicancy law, which prohibits begging on the streets, along with the exploitation of children.

The city official affirmed, those caught in violation of the policy would be arrested. However, apprehended minors will be housed at the CSWDO Crisis Intervention Unit.

Conlu also offered a warning to those who solicit Badjaos, as giving them money is also not allowed.

“If you want to help, give it directly to the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” he suggested.

Last December, amid the Bacolod City Police Office and Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) operation to rescue Badjaos, the DSSD Anti-Mendicancy Task Force revealed during a radio interview that one such individual had remitted a total of P38,000 from Bacolod City to Mindanao.

According to task force coordinator Ma. Socorro Detangco, two receipts were found from one of the rescued Badjaos; each revealed local money transfers to Mindanao with the first showing P17,000 and another for P21,000.

She echoed earlier sentiment by DSSD head Pacita Tero and discouraged the public from giving money to street beggars./WDJ