BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — A total of 19 mendicants, including Badjaos (or sea gypsies) were rounded and rescued through a series of operations done by the city’s Surveillance and Apprehension teams last night, 12 October 2025.
Those rescued are nine Badjaos (seven adults and two children), one individual showing signs of mental health issues; two elderly PWDs, and seven minors classified as children at risk.
The city’s initiative came after social media shared by concerned citizens expressed alarm over incidence of harassment from mendicants and Badjaos. The mendicants reportedly harassed or threatened people with violence if they were refused money.
Gasataya said the effort was done through coordination with DSSD, Bacolod City Police Office, City Legal Office, DRRMO, City Administrator’s Office, Office of Councilor Israel Salanga, and Bacolod City Communications Office.
Minors and vulnerable individuals received the appropriate interventions and were returned to their families after processing.
Minors and vulnerable individuals received the appropriate interventions and were returned to their families after processing,” the mayor assured, adding that assessment, profiling, and orientation are done at the BAYS Center through the Surveillance and Apprehension Team.
“Bacolod knows when to extend compassion, but the moment it is taken for granted, we will meet it with firm and unflinching action,” the mayor added.
The series of opertations aligns with Bacolod City Ordinance No. 146 (1995), which penalizes repeat mendicancy and exploitation while providing rehabilitation and reintegration programs. The ordinance is currently under review to strengthen public safety.
