By Mariela Angella Oladive
More than 100 Badjaos were rescued by the Iloilo City government during the “ber” months, according to Hector Alejano, head of the Task Force Badjao.
‘Ber’ months refer to the last four months of the year which happen to be the holiday season as well.
Alejano said the Badjaos were often seen begging for alms in public areas, particularly in Mandurriao district near the stoplight at Taft North.
Many came from nearby towns such as Pavia and Pototan in Iloilo province.
“Once we catch them, we rescue them and refer them to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in the district where they were caught. We also call uniformed personnel to explain the city’s anti-mendicancy ordinance,” Alejano said.
The Iloilo City Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2002-400) prohibits begging and giving alms in public places. Mendicants caught begging face fines of PHP 500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Those who give alms are fined PHP 500 or required to perform community service. Exploiting minors, the disabled, or the infirm in mendicancy incurs a fine of PHP 2,000 and up to two months in prison.
Nationally, Presidential Decree No. 1563, the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978, penalizes those facilitating begging and requires local governments to implement ordinances addressing the issue.
The task force has intensified operations ahead of the holidays and the Dinagyang Festival 2025 to manage the presence of Badjaos during peak commercial activities.
Alejano said daily rescue operations and strict monitoring have significantly reduced their presence.
“They are scared now because we are taking action, and we make sure to explain the consequences of their violations,” he said.
He added that rescued Badjaos are transported back to their communities, with transportation costs covered by their earnings in the city. This replaces the previous practice of using city funds for repatriation.
Alejano urged the public to support the policy to help address the issue effectively.
