Radaza notes increase of Badjaos in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza wants the police department to check on what she described as the sudden surge of Badjaos this year.

In a press conference, Radaza said she has observed  roaming around the city, especially in Barangay Poblacion, during the feast of  Virgen dela Regla.

“Nagkadaghan ang mga Badjao dinhi ron. I remember during the fiesta didto sa plaza, manguhit ug mangayo og kwarta. I asked the police to check on this kay daghan na man Badjao ron,” Radaza said.

In a phone interview, Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, acting director of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said Radaza raised her concern about the presence of the Badjaos who are from Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City wandering the city.

Radoc said they have sent 18 Badjaos home through riding a ferry boat shouldered by the LCPO last week, the same group seen along the streets of Barangay Poblacion last November.

“Ang atoang gihimo ana, atoang gipang-istoryaan ang mga Badjao. Diha man na sila magpundok sa Alaska, Mambaling, atoang gipasakay sa ferry boat,” Radoc said.

Radoc said no Badjaos thrived in the city last year.

To prevent road dwellers and street carolers wandering the city, Radoc said they are implementing the all-out foot patrol every night, now that the city is named as the "Historic Resort City."

“Apil na ani ang mga manghigda sa sidewalk. Atong gi-instruction-nan ang mga police station (sa city) nga ipabalhin na sila. Kining mga caroler nga mga bata, atoa ni silang i-rescue, ato ipagawas sa danger zone,” Radoc said.

The rescued children will then be housed at the office of the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Development or Home Care, a city-run shelter for the orphans and children in conflict with law. (FREEMAN)