Archival: Syndicates behind mendicancy

CEBU, Philippines — Mayor Nestor Archival has raised alarm over reports of multiple modus operandi disguised as begging, stressing the possibility that organized groups or “syndicates” may be behind these activities.

With the onset of the yuletide season, city officials have observed a rise in mendicants on the streets. In a press conference yesterday, Archival said he had convened the Anti-Mendicancy Board, which has begun mapping out resolutions to address the continuing concerns regarding street dwellers and mendicants.

Archival said he has instructed the board to identify areas with higher concentrations of mendicants and to profile them, noting that several NGOs also provide assistance based on specific categories.

While confirming the increase in mendicants since the start of the “ber” months, Archival flagged troubling reports raised during the board’s meetings.

He cited an incident in which a vehicle was allegedly seen dropping off children to beg.

“Ihatod nila sa usa ka lugar like didto dapit sa JY. Naay L300 magdala og mga tawo, kwaan nila’g mga tsinelas, then naay mga mama nga magdala og mga bata, mao ilang pa suroy suroyon,” Archival said.

He also mentioned reports of a so-called “Sabon Gang,” in which individuals approach motorists offering soap for free.

“Sa di pa ihatag, naa ba kay ID, inig tan-aw sa ID ingon nga ‘uy kaliwat man diay ta, silingan raman ta’ then pangayoan og kwarta,” he said.

Archival said these reports point to organized activity. “This is a syndicate. Naay nagpaluyo ani,” he stressed, adding that the city government will work with local police to investigate, given the possibility that human trafficking may be involved.

“Dako ni nga issue,” Archival warned, saying authorities will be running after those behind the schemes.

Despite continuous operations, officials admit that deeply ingrained attitudes toward mendicancy remain a major challenge.

In February this year, Dr. Lucille Mercado, head of the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO), said the city re-intensified its operations after initially relaxing enforcement during the Christmas season and Sinulog celebration.

She noted the continuation of the “Pabalhin Program”, which involves picking up street dwellers and transferring them to a shelter at the South Road Properties (SRP). However, Mercado clarified that the SRP shelter only provides a place to stay, not food provisions.

According to Mercado, many of those housed at SRP already have homes in the city but repeatedly avail themselves of the program, making them “regulars.”

Mendicants, she explained, are different from street dwellers, as many are children or individuals with mental health challenges. Some also have families but still choose to remain on the streets.

According to Mercado, it is the “basic attitude” of the mendicants that keeps them on the streets, adding that the problem can only be addressed through continued education and awareness of the Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance. — (FREEMAN)