THE Anti-Mendicancy Task Force of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City is intensifying its operations to reach out to the Badjaos in various areas in the city.

Ma. Socorro Detangco, task force coordinator, said on Friday, April 13, that they are monitoring Badjaos along Lacson Street and in the downtown area.

On Tuesday, they convinced about 40 Badjaos along Libertad Extension to return to their hometowns, she said.

Most of the Badjaos are from the cities of Escalante, Cadiz, and Iloilo. They are asking for alms from jeepney passengers and private vehicle owners.

"We assisted them in going to Bredco Port so they can go home to Iloilo while some of them were also assisted towards the north bus terminal," Detangco said.

She said most of the Badjaos are using their babies when begging in the streets, which is dangerous.

DSSD head Pacita Tero had earlier urged the public not to give alms to Badjaos to stop them from loitering around.

"Bacoleños are generous, but we should not tolerate them. If we will not give them alms, they will not stay here and will return to their hometown," Tero said.

The anti-mendicancy law forbids begging or soliciting of charitable donations by the poor or religious organizations in the streets.

Bacolod has an existing City Ordinance No. 146, Series of 2005, or the Ordinance establishing an integrated program for regulating mendicancy, with penalties.

Those who will be caught giving alms will be fined P50.