AUTHORITIES in Davao City rescued 21 individuals at the Agdao Flyover on Wednesday evening, September 14.
In a press release from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), a total of 13 adults and eight minors, all are indigenous peoples (IPs) from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, were rescued.
According to authorities, the rescued individuals "were found begging, utilizing the streets as their source of income while using their children to make a living."
The operation was in coordination with the Mobile Patrol Unit, and the Quick Response Team for Children's Concern of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
DCPO spokesperson Police Major Teresita Gaspan told SunStar Davao in a text message on Thursday afternoon, September 15 that the operation is in coordination with the Mobile Patrol Unit, and the Quick Response Team for Children's Concern of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
Gaspan said the IPs were temporarily sheltered at Magsaysay Park and were then transported back to their hometown in the morning.
SunStar Davao reached out to CSWDO head lawyer Marlisa Gallo for their side on the matter. But she has yet to respond as of press time.
Throughout the years, IPs from far-flung areas had been roaming around the city to carol and beg for money along the streets this Christmas.
Gallo, in the previous reports, had been discouraging them from going downtown. RGL