The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ordered all port officers to conduct passenger background checks at ports to block Badjaos entering Metro Manila to beg during the Christmas season.
In a statement, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said they have coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in executing the preemptive arrangement to halt the influx of Badjaos begging in Metro Manila.
Balilo said they also tapped the local government units (LGUs) to establish if there is a valid reason to allow a Badjao passenger to board a ship.
“‘Yung mga dadalhin sa Manila para mamalimos ang DSWD magiging meticulous dun sa mga biyaherong kahina-hinala (Those who will be brought to Manila to beg, the DSWD will be meticulous on suspicious travelers),” Balilo said.
PCG suspected the sea gypsies scattered throughout Zamboanga City, Tawi Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan were used to beg in the cities.
Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo recently went to Zamboanga City to discuss the problem with PCG Southwestern Mindanao District Commodore Marco Antonio Gines.
Gines vowed that the PCG would coordinate with local governments and conduct tighter inspections at the ports to prevent suspicious Badjaos from entering Metro Manila.
Last month, the DSWD rounded up about 130 Badjaos roaming the streets of Manila.
Tulfo said the rescued Badjaos provided each with at least P10,000 cash, food packs, and medications.
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