Police rescue 249 homeless persons

CEBU, Philippines — Police have rescued at least 249 homeless individuals from the streets of Cebu City since Mayor Michael Rama ordered cleaning the streets from dwellers and garbage.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Col. Ireneo Dalogdog said that all rescued individuals were turned over to the morning star dormitory at the South Road Properties.

The facility is run by the city government through the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS). Dalogdog said that the police continue the rescue operations even after June 12, the deadline set by Rama to round up all homeless individuals.

The police admitted that they have not completely cleared the streets of beggars and other homeless individuals. Dalogdog said that since June 13 up to 18, they have rescued 25 individuals—16 were minors and 9 were adults.

“So far karon minimal nalang kaayo ang kanang makita nato nga libud-suroy,” said Dalogdog.

Personnel from the Cebu City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) have been detailed to help the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force and the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS) in the conduct of rescue operations.

Rounding up mendicants from the streets is one of the initiatives of Rama to achieve his Singapore-like goal for the city. — (FREEMAN)