By Mae Singuay

The Bacolod City Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) will be monitoring the presence of Badjaos expected during the MassKara Festival.

DSSD head, Sally Abelarde, said they have monitored no presence of the Badjaos roaming around the city this week ahead of the festival.

The Anti-Mendicancy Task Force is assigned to monitor the sea gypsies during the annual celebration which started today until October 22.

During festivals, the Badjaos are seen loitering around the city and asking for alms.

Abelarde said the Badjaos would be immediately sent back to their place.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas, in coordination with the city government, said around 50 Badjaos from Iloilo went to Bacolod last week.

As per monitoring, they arrived at the Bredco Port and immediately proceeded to the Bacolod South Terminal and boarded a bus bound for Negros Oriental’s Mabinay town.

Meanwhile, several minors were also observed loitering on the city streets, singing Christmas carols and begging for alms.

Abelarde said that parents should look into their children, reminding them that the curfew for minors is still in effect./MS, WDJ