In a concerted effort to curb begging and panhandling on the streets, the combined forces of concerned citizens and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) team led to the apprehension of three individuals, one of whom was a child. This apprehension was the culmination of persistent efforts by Nena Macalisang and her team from the CSWD to address the issue of begging in the community.
Despite repeated warnings and reminders against begging on the streets, these individuals continued to disregard the law. Nena Macalisang and her team have tirelessly warned beggars against soliciting alms on the streets, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations. However, it became apparent that these warnings fell on deaf ears as the individuals persisted in their activities.
The apprehension occurred as these individuals were soliciting alms from pedestrians, moving from the vicinity of Mercury Tubod towards Corpus Cristi Church. It was at this juncture that the authorities intervened, leading to their detention at PNP Station 4 in Tambacan around 9:30 am this morning.
It’s imperative to underscore that begging and the act of giving alms are both prohibited by law. While the act may seem charitable to some, it perpetuates a cycle of dependency and reinforces the presence of begging on the streets. Moreover, allowing children to engage in such activities not only violates their rights but also exposes them to various risks and dangers.
The efforts of CSWD, alongside law enforcement agencies, reflect a commitment to uphold the law and ensure the welfare of all citizens. Beyond apprehension, there is a need for comprehensive approaches to address the root causes of begging, including poverty alleviation programs, access to education, and social support systems.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to the community that begging is not a sustainable solution to poverty and that concerted efforts are required to address the underlying issues. It is only through collaborative action and proactive measures that we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
