THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) warned against giving alms to individuals or children on the streets, inside establishments, or in public transportation.
The DCPO said these actions violate the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978, and violators will be fined P1,000 or imprisoned for not more than four years.
Parents who use children for begging will also be held accountable, according to Presidential Decree No. 1563.
The DCPO urged the public to call the CSWDO – Quick Response Team for Children’s Concerns (QRTCC) at 226-4444 or the Kean Gabriel Hotline at 0908-818-4444.
On Tuesday, Dec. 10, 51 individuals, including six minors, from Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and Kitaotao, Bukidnon were rescued after they were seen roaming the streets, asking for Christmas alms.
DCPO spokesperson Captain Hazel Tuazon said 43 of the individuals were Indigenous Peoples (IPs). They were transported back to their community by the Bukidnon Local Government Unit (LGU) on Tuesday afternoon.
“This was a collaborative effort between the Calinan Police Station and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO),” Tuazon said.
File photo by Bing Gonzales
