By CESAR JOLITO III

Nineteen individuals, including members of the Badjao community, persons with disabilities, and minors, were rescued during a coordinated operation against street begging and vagrancy in Bacolod City on Saturday, October 11.

Of the 19 rescued individuals, nine were Badjaos — including two children — one was a person believed to have a mental health condition, two were persons with disabilities, and seven were minors considered at risk.

In a statement, Mayor Greg Gasataya said two surveillance and apprehension teams carried out the joint rescue operation across several city streets from Saturday afternoon until evening.

City social workers provided immediate interventions such as assessment, profiling and orientation before returning the rescued individuals to their respective families.

Gasataya emphasized that the operation is part of the city’s efforts to enforce City Ordinance No. 146, which prohibits begging and provides for rehabilitation and reintegration programs for street dwellers and vulnerable persons.

The ordinance also imposes penalties on those repeatedly engaging in street begging.

“The city ensures that rescued minors and vulnerable individuals are properly cared for and guided before reintegration,” Gasataya said, adding that the ordinance is currently under review to strengthen public safety and welfare mechanisms.

He reiterated the city’s call for compassion and cooperation from the public in supporting programs that help vulnerable groups transition away from street dependence./CJ, WDJ