AT LEAST 54 Badjaos, who were rounded up by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City, will be sent home to their hometown in Zamboanga City within this week.
City Administrator Pacifico Maghari III said Thursday, June 29, that the DSSD is now preparing all the rescued Badjaos, also known as “sea gypsies,” to be sent home through roll-on, roll-off vessel at the Dumaguete City port in Negros Oriental.
He said there’s already coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office for travel of the Badjaos.
“It’s the second batch of the Badjaos here that will be sent home to their hometown,” he added.
Maghari noted that the Badjaos will be accompanied by personnel of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) going to Zamboanga.
On June 25, at least 72 Badjaos, who earlier travelled from Bacolod City to Dumangas Port, Iloilo, were also sent home to Zamboanga City.
Maghari said the travel of the Badjaos was funded by the DSWD regional office.
He said they already have the master list of the Badjaos and they will refer it to the City Legal Office once they return here again for exploiting the minors, adding that they are using their children for begging on the street and inside jeepneys, and it’s very dangerous for their safety.
Maghari also tasked the DSSD with submitting its report to determine the total number of Badjaos in Bacolod.
Maghari disclosed that it’s the continued effort of the city government to rescue all the Badjaos in various areas, especially those who are begging in the major thoroughfares.*