Following street dweller’s death: Anti-Mendicancy Board to be revamped

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board will undergo revamping following the death of a woman who died after giving birth in the sidewalk to come up with a resolution for similar concerns.

After the death of a street dweller identified as Jennifer Tampus, 39, at the sidewalk of General Maxilom Avenue in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City, last August 14, acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he is now eyeing to revamp the board.

He said he is set to install a new chairman and its corresponding board members within the week to focus on the concerns surrounding the street dwellers in Cebu City. He added the new set of members will have to come up with their report and recommendation to be able to map out resolutions concerning the mendicants.

"Di man gud ni ing-ani ka sayon nga problema, I mean it does not only involve street dwellers no, it also involves their families, their children, their income, their employment," said Garcia.

As they take a closer look at their demographics, Garcia said that some of the street dwellers are from inside Cebu City. Citing emphasis, he added that Tampos is even a resident of Barangay Mambaling.

Garcia added that the concerns of street dwellers are a "deep" problem being faced by the city government which is also considered on a case-to-case basis.

In the meantime, Garcia said the establishment of Halfway House is now underway at Barangay Taptap, an area in the upland barangay of Cebu City. He however admitted that the distance can be a challenge considering that the mendicants chose to take up dwellings around the city proper.

“Mao ng ato pa ng gipa-study ug tan-aw,” said Garcia.

It was reported that Tampus was living in the streets with her live-in partner and their children. According to witnesses, around 7 a.m. on that day, Tampus went into labor and gave birth right there on the sidewalk, but her baby was already stillborn. One of the traffic enforcers who assisted, Sheila Marie Nicolasora, said that the baby's head had already emerged, but was lifeless.

Nicolasora further mentioned that she was unsure how long the baby had been delivered, but from her observation, the woman appeared to be in a very weak and distressed state.

It was also found out that Tampus even signed a waiver from the medical team that came to rescue her in order for her not to be taken to the hospital as per her request. — (FREEMAN)