CCPO, LGU set to rescue mendicants, street dwellers

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is set to round up street dwellers and mendicants, following the directives of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to rescue them and clear the streets.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy for operations of CCPO, said they will be conducting rescue operations to gather the street dwellers and mendicants in a shelter and help them in processing requirements for those who will be going home.

“Dunay order ang DILG directing all local government units to remove all mendicants and street dwellers sa atong siyudad not only sa atoa but in the whole LGU. So mag-coordinate ang city, including DSWD, PROBE, City Health Office, for the one time big time rescue operation,” said Parilla.

Parilla added the DILG order was in line with the danger of COVID-19 to prevent these individuals from getting exposed to the virus while on the streets.

“Katong qualified nga mo pauli sa ilang probinsiya, they will be provided with funds enough nga i-coordinate sa ilang LGU nga makabalik sila... Katong mga taga Cebu City ra gihapon sila, ato na silang ibalik ato i-coordinate sa ilang barangay,” said Parilla.

If these street dwellers or mendicants will be rescued again in the future operations, they will be charged under the anti-mendicancy ordinance.

Parilla also warned that parents or adults responsible of children who were left to beg on the streets will be held responsible.

“Tanan na ni sila, kaning mga manaygonay, mamaligya, so ato na ning i-address sila. Pero, as of now, atong priority kaning mga street dwellers ug kaning mga bata na ginamit nga manlimos sa PUJs and taxis, delikado na sad,” said Parilla.

A private individual who owns an empty building has agreed to be the temporary shelter of the rescued individuals. — GAN (FREEMAN)