THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reported rescuing about 40 members of Indigenous Communities (ICs) from Calinan, Davao City.
On December 10, 2024, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bukidnon picked up 43 Indigenous People (IPs), including adults and children from Kitaotao, Bukidnon, from Calinan Poblacion.
The DCPO also conducted a rescue operation near the Toril Public Market and Barangay Crossing Highway, rescuing six minors and two adults with the assistance of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The rescued IPs were temporarily placed under the CSWDO for profiling.
Police Captain Hazel Tuazon, spokesperson for the DCPO, told VoxPop Davao on December 11, 2024, that most of the rescued IPs were begging on the streets of Davao City. Many were from outside Davao, including neighboring cities, provinces, and municipalities, as the LGU has a program for its IPs.
“Hangyo lang gyud namo from the Davao City Police Office para wala na gyud tay makita na mang limos dire sa kalsada dili lang gyud nato hatagan biskag piso (We kindly ask the public not to give any money so we no longer see people begging on the streets),” she said.
She said some IPs admitted to begging in Davao City because they could earn more money here, but this practice puts their safety at risk. Tuazon also pointed out the potential danger to jeepney drivers, who could be held liable for accidents involving beggars on the roads.
She reiterated that preventing such risks is a shared responsibility among the community, safety personnel, and social workers. The DCPO and CSWDO have been meeting to address the issue of street begging and the risks associated with it.
The DCPO encourages the public to report any IPs begging or at risk by contacting 911, local police stations, or coordinating with the CSWDO. RGP
