Senator Bong Go extends help to detained harmonica player

CEBU, Philippines —  The arrest of Ireneo Selma, a 68-year-old harmonica player in Cebu City, for allegedly violating the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance caught the attention of Senator Bong Go, prompting his team to provide assistance after the incident sparked public concern, particularly on senior citizens.

On May 18, 2026, Go sent his team to Selma’s residence to provide him with grocery packs, financial assistance, and a shirt.

Vidal was apprehended by personnel from the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office along Colon Street while playing the harmonica and receiving coins from passersby. He maintained that he was not begging but simply performing music to earn money for food for his three-year-old grandchild.

The case drew widespread attention after Vidal claimed he was mistreated during the arrest. Cebu City Councilor Pastor Jun Alcover Jr. later visited Vidal at the police station, posted bail for his release, and called for a formal inquiry into the alleged abuse.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival also ordered an investigation into the incident amid criticism over the enforcement of anti-mendicancy operations in the city.

“Responsibilidad po natin ang ating mga lolo at lola. Respetuhin natin sila at dapat na malinaw ang ating malasakit at pagkilala sa mahalagang papel ng mga senior citizens sa ating lipunan,” Go said in a statement.

Go likewise reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the welfare of senior citizens, emphasizing the need for compassion, accessible healthcare, and stronger social support systems for elderly Filipinos, particularly those facing poverty and hardship.

Highlighting his efforts for senior citizens, Go recalled Senate Bill No. 1779, or the Nursing Home for Senior Citizens Act, which he filed to establish and institutionalize a nursing home for senior citizens in every region of the country.

The proposal is intended to assist families in addressing the specialized needs of the elderly population.

The senator also recalled another bill he filed, SBN 411, which seeks to establish the Philippine Senior Citizens Hospital and Research Institute, a facility dedicated to geriatric care and research.

“Dapat mas bigyan natin ng pansin ang mga senior citizen dahil marami sa kanila ang may iniindang sakit at regular na pangangailangang medikal. Karapatan nilang maalagaan, respetuhin, at matulungan,” Go’s statement further reads.

Go has repeatedly underscored that senior citizens deserve dignity, respect, and proper care in recognition of their sacrifices for their families and communities. — (FREEMAN)