DSWS may file case vs. parents of street carolers, mendicants

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) may file a case against parents of child mendicants and street carolers rescued in a joint operation by the police and the city's Anti-Mendicancy Task Force on Sunday.

This as the DSWS has seen an increase in the number of mendicants and street carolers in the city.

The rescued mendicants and street carolers were sent to the City Center.

DSWS chief Ester Concha said that filing a case against parents of the child mendicants and street carolers is possible because they violate the Child Welfare Act.

"Mo-file ta'g case but we need to assess these people first kay kasagaran man gud ani kay pamilya. Makasugod tag duha o tulo at least motagam ni sila," Concha stressed.

Street carolers need to get permit from the city.

Concha said the DSWS cannot solve the problem alone and that it needs to tap other agencies, especially the Philippine National Police.  (FREEMAN)