By CESAR JOLITO III
Nineteen members of the Badjao community rescued from the streets of Bacolod have been safely returned to their hometown in Jolo, Sulu, as part of the city government’s strengthened anti-mendicancy campaign.
The repatriation, led by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) through the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force, took place on Monday night, October 27, following a series of rescue operations earlier this month.
The group included seven minors accompanied by their parents.
DSSD program coordinator Anjanette Servano said the city government ensured the Badjao group’s safe return through close coordination with Sulu authorities.
“We won’t allow mendicancy to thrive in the city. Under the directive of Mayor Greg Gasataya, we’re taking both enforcement and humanitarian steps to help them return home safely,” Servano said.
The rescued individuals were earlier found in various parts of the city — including Burgos Market, Lopue’s East, Lacson Street, Libertad, and the Bredco Port — where they were seen soliciting money from pedestrians and passengers.
“This is not just about enforcement — it’s about compassion with responsibility,” Servano added.
“Helping them means guiding them home and ensuring they have access to proper support systems,” she added.
‘Nothing to eat’
Among them was Den-Den Mareta, who drew public attention after a viral video showed him harassing a jeepney passenger who refused to give alms.
Mareta was later apprehended but released after apologizing and expressing remorse, saying he only acted out of fear and hunger.
“I got carried away because I had nothing to eat. I just want to go home to my daughter,” he said.
Before being sent home, the Badjao families underwent psychosocial interventions facilitated by DSSD to prepare them for reintegration into their communities.
Meanwhile, City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said the local government is reviewing City Ordinance No. 146, series of 1995, to strengthen its enforcement while providing social assistance to street dwellers.
“We’re committed to addressing mendicancy not just through penalties, but through reintegration and rehabilitation. The goal is to protect both the public and vulnerable individuals from abuse,” Mayo said.
Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier ordered intensified operations against mendicancy, directing all relevant offices — including the City Legal Office, City Police, Public Order and Safety Office, and the City Health Office — to coordinate in both rescue and welfare efforts.
Officials also reminded the public not to give money to street beggars, citing that doing so perpetuates the cycle of mendicancy and is prohibited under local law./CJ, WDJ