• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Government facilitated the reunification of 19 Badjao individuals to their respected hometowns, following their rescue in an anti-mendicancy operation.
The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) Anti-Mendicancy Task Force, along with personnel from the Bacolod City Police Office escorted the group on the way to Zamboanga, with some to be picked up by their DSSD counterpart from Jolo, Sulu.
The group, which included seven minors, was rescued during a three-week series of operations conducted across major areas in the city.
The repatriation came after numerous reports of Badjao individuals allegedly harassing jeepney passengers who refused to give alms.
The Badjao, identified as Den-Den Mareta, was apprehended but later released after issuing a public apology and expressing remorse, as no formal complaint was filed, despite the City Legal Office offering free legal assistance.
Mareta was one of the 19 individuals currently in transit to Jolo, Sulu.
In a media interview, City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo stated that the city is reviewing the amendment of City Ordinance No. 146, Series of 1995, and will exhaust all legal and appropriate measures to ensure the Badjao individuals do not return, protecting the public from potential harassment.
“We are closely monitoring their return and we will ensure to coordinate with the LGU concern and DSWD Region 9. As much as possible exhaust all legal and appropriate means for them [Badjao] not to return here. We are working hard to make it a long-term plan,” Mayo said.
Prior to their return, the DSSD conducted psychosocial interventions for the minors and other vulnerable individuals.*
