- Nearly 500 IPs asking for Christmas alms on the streets rescued
NEARLY 500 Indigenous peoples who were begging in Davao City have been sent back to their hometowns as part of the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” program.
Captain Hazel Tuazon, Davao City Police Office spokesperson, said the Women and Children Protection Desk and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are spearheading the program.
Tuazon said the city recognized the high number of tribal members are putting their lives at risk by roaming the streets and asking for money from motorists and pedestrians alike, especially at the start of the Christmas season.
During a meeting held at the Camp Domingo E. Leonor Headquarters in Davao City, they formulated a plan to help bring the IPs and the Badjao people home safely.
The 19 police stations under the DCPO, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the DSWD simultaneously launched rescue operations. At the start of the operation, authorities rescued 405 individuals, including 287 adults and 118 minors.
The Indigenous Peoples were brought to the Balite Gym in Talomo District and were advised not to return to the city for their safety. They were also given gifts they could bring home to their families.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
