KALIBO, Aklan – The local government of Kalibo formed a taskforce for the community-based rehabilitation of vagrants, beggars, street children, and scavengers.
Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, Task Force “Ligtas Kalye” team leader, issued Executive Order (EO) No. 068 on Nov. 28 in response to rampant street begging and vagrancy in high-traffic areas across the town of Kalibo.
The prevalence of beggars and vagrants roaming around Kalibo’s busy commercial thoroughfares exposes residents, motorists and pedestrians to unnecessary risks, he pointed out.
EO 68 also noted Municipal Ordinance No. 2022-025 prohibits any person, without any visible means of livelihood, to wander soliciting for alms in bustling public places.
Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Lolly Espino will serve as the taskforce focal person.
Task Force Ligtas Kalye is the primary force in the identification and apprehension of Kalibo vagrants, beggars, street children and scavengers.
“They should be temporarily sheltered by the municipality of Kalibo in an area identified by the local government of Kalibo to prohibit them from begging around the streets of Kalibo,” the order stated.
Sheltered vagrants, beggars, street children, and scavengers should undergo post traumatic sessions and community-based rehabilitation.
The local government should also assist the wandering mendicants back to their places of residence and communities in coordination with their respective local government units and agencies./PN
