San Nicolas captain calls for aid for street dwellers

CEBU, Philippines — San Nicolas Proper Barangay Captain Rey Niñal is appealing for help as more homeless individuals return to the streets, especially in his area, which houses the popular Taboan Public Market.

Niñal, known as the city’s “Father of the Homeless,” is currently mourning the death of another homeless individual over the weekend.

In an interview with The Freeman, Niñal recounted that before the elderly homeless woman passed away, he had urged her husband to take her to the hospital, seeing that she was very ill. However, the husband became upset and refused to cooperate. The following day, the woman died.

The situation became more complicated due to difficulties in processing the death certificate and securing burial assistance, as the deceased was neither a registered voter in the city nor a resident of the barangay.

“Even the coffin is expensive,” Niñal said, adding that he no longer has access to a free coffin for such cases.

“Lisod kayo ta ron… Dili pud ni botante, dili pud registered, maglisod tag pangayog burial assistance… Lungon lang gani daan, pinakabarato, P25 mil… Ang pagpalubong pa… Namalimos lang ko ani,” Niñal said.

It was reported that former mayor Mike Rama extended financial assistance for the woman’s funeral, but Niñal said more help is needed to fully cover the burial costs.

Niñal added that he is still negotiating with the San Nicolas Parish to allow the burial of the deceased.

During Rama’s administration, the former mayor had initiated efforts to remove street dwellers from public areas and established the Samaritan’s Nest at the South Road Properties as a temporary shelter.

Niñal acknowledged that Rama’s initiative significantly helped, but said the city government’s effort to protect the homeless was not sustained, especially after Rama’s dismissal.

In the past two months, Niñal observed a growing number of street dwellers returning to his barangay.

“Nidaghan na pud ni sila diri… Bisan unsaog badlong… Kung pwede pa lang abugon ni sila tanan, pero asa man pud ebutang,” said Niñal.

He shared that while he had brought his concerns to some city officials, no concrete action has been taken so far.

“Namasura pud ni sila gud para panginabuhian, so lisod gyud kaayo… Dili man nuon ni sila mga maldito, musumbong man gani ni silag nay mga kawatan,” Niñal added.

Niñal expressed hope that assistance would not only come for the most recent case but also for the future, as more homeless individuals appear to be in poor health. He fears that more deaths could occur if help doesn’t arrive soon.

“Patabang lang gyud kog kinsay pwede makatabang nato ani ron… Naa puy mga dili taga diri nga gipapauli naman ta nis ilaha, pero balik na man pud,” said Niñal.