To avoid becoming victims of road accidents and abuse, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in collaboration with the Davao City Police Office and the Women and Children Protection Desk, conducted a surveillance and rescue operation for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who live outside of Davao but are begging for money in the city during the Christmas season.
The CSWDO, in collaboration with the Women and Children Protection Desk, on Tuesday rescued 51 individuals, 43 of whom are from Sta. Cruz Davao del Sur. Most of them were also sent back home.
Gilda Silvaña, the acting Officer-In-Charge of CSWDO, said they looked after the welfare of the IPs who visited the city over the Christmas season but have experienced abuse, trafficking, or automobile accidents in recent years.
“We care about them, sa ila’ng welfare. Kay ang uban gud ulan ug init, nagdala man gud sila’g bata. Naa’y nagkasakit, unya wala man ta’y holding area sa ilaha, kay atoa man gu’ng budget kay intended para sa lumulupyo sa Davao City (We care about them, their welfare. Rain or shine, some of them bring their kids. Some get sick, but we don’t have a holding area for them, because our budget is intended for the residents of Davao City),” she said.
She also said this is the reason behind the local government’s decision to make services more accessible to the IPs, especially during Christmas.
She said based on interviews, the IPs visit Davao City to solicit donations, particularly around the Christmas season.
“Ang pinakabug-at nga rason ngano manaog sila, kay daghan og kwarta diri sa Davao. Matod nila, makapalit sila’g motor inig uli kay kugihan gyud daw ang Davao maghatag og kwarta (The biggest reason why they come here is because there is a lot of money here in Davao. According to them, they can purchase a motorcycle when they return to their homes because Dabawenyos are good at giving out money),” she said.
She also said that the rescued IPs were sent back home in areas outside Davao City after the city government coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the IPs’ Local Government Units.
She said certain LGUs in Davao City have also taken the initiative to get the IPs.
“Naa na’y taga Kapalong ug Bukidnon nga gikuha nila ang ila’ng IPs through coordination diri sa Davao City (There are people from Kapalong and Bukidnon who have taken their IPs in coordination in Davao City),” she said.
She said they will continue to hold the joint operation to rescue IPs. CIO