City to go after street dwellers 24 hours a day

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board (CCAMB)’s hours of operations have now gone 24/7 to comply with the mayor’s ultimatum of “liberating the city” from street dwellers come Independence Day in June.

CCAMD Chairperson, Dr. Lucille Mercado, said that the shift to 24/7 rescue operations will be one of their methods to achieve Mayor Michael Rama’s deadline that there will be no more people sleeping on the streets of Cebu City starting June 12.

In Mercado's interview with The FREEMAN, she pointed out that as long as there is a broad cooperation of the public, barangays and all government departments or agencies, she is positive that the goal will be achieved.

"Basta magtinabangay lang gyud tang tanan ug 24/7 ang atong operation niini," said Mercado.

She has also scheduled some meetings with the street vendors and other stakeholders since this is also part of the campaign of clearing the streets.

Those who would be found sleeping on the streets will be rescued and would be taken to the "Samaritan's Rest" for men and "Morning Star" for women, located near the NOAH Complex at the South Road Properties (SRP).

The city’s program "Balik Probinsiya" is also offered for those rescued who are not from the city.

"Dunay uban nila nga taga Siyudad na gyud daan, samtang ang uban kay gikan sa lain nga probinsya ug gitambagan gyud nato sila og maayo nga mouli na gyud sa ilaha," added Mercado.

The CCAMB is composed of the City Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) Team, City Health Department, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), among others.

Earlier, the local government said that about 20 individuals with mental health problems and are loitering in the streets of Cebu City are scheduled to be rescued.

Ramil Ayuman, Mayor Michael Rama’s assistant on special projects, said the city government is helping the rescued individuals by searching for their families so they can return home. They were also brought to the hospital for medical checkup.

Last month, the mayor announced that the city will be liberated from people sleeping on the streets on Independence Day.

He also ordered a 24/7 implementation of the environmental laws and ordinances to ensure that no garbage is found on the streets. /GAN (FREEMAN NEWS)