THE Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City urged the public anew not to give alms to Badjaos to stop them from loitering around.

Pacita Tero, head of DSSD, said Thursday, August 31, she directed the anti-mendicancy task force to reach out to the Badjaos.

Tero said she was informed that several Badjaos were seen especially along Lacson and Rizal Streets.

They are asking for alms on streets, jeepneys, and residential areas, and most of them are using their babies for begging, she added.

“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.

She said the task force will facilitate the return of the Badjaos to their hometown in Zamboanga.

“We should help the city by not tolerating them. We have an anti-mendicancy ordinance,” she added.

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

Tero said the DSSD will also check the presence of Badjaos at the old airport, where they supposedly shanties.

She added that they will intensify their operation to implement City Ordinance No. 146, Series of 2005, or the Ordinance establishing an integrated program for regulating mendicancy, providing penalties.

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