Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin Tulfo warned any group or individual who is sending Indigenous People (IP) to beg on the streets.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced its support to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in protecting Indigenous People (IP) against “human trafficking.”
During DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo’s visit to Zamboanga City on Tuesday, Nov. 29, PCG District Southwestern Mindanao Commander, CG Commodore Marco Antonio Gines, slated the Coast Guard’s initiatives to combat human trafficking against IPs.
This includes stricter inspections of ports and expanding cooperation with local governments to protect their welfare, according to Gines.
Gines echoed Secretary Tulfo’s call to put an end to the activities of the syndicates that allegedly recruited Badjao, Aeta, and other natives to beg on the road.
Secretary Tulfo said “this long-time practice should be stopped now” that is why the DSWD is intensifying its effort to save the Badjaos and other local natives from begging on the streets.
The Secretary added, the problem must be resolved especially now that the Christmas season is approaching.
