City cops rounding up beggars, carolers

CEBU, Philippines — At least 76 mendicants, including Badjaos, have been apprehended by the police in Cebu City for violating the health protocols.

Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy city director for operations of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said the violators were caught begging for money in the streets while others were doing caroling despite the prohibition due to the pandemic.

Parilla said all those apprehended were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS). He said that 28 of the 76 apprehended were members of the Badjao community.

"Giturn-over nato ni sila sa DSWS kay duna man tay kuyog nga taga LGU....so it's up to the LGU og unsaon ni sila, naa man silay mga programa niini, ang uban ani nga ganahan mouli sa ilang probinsya tagaan ni sila og mga pamilete," said Parilla. 

According to Parilla, some of the violators purposely came to Cebu City to do caroling as Christmas season is here.

 "Nanganhi sila diri para mangaroling, mangayo sa mga kadalanan," said Parilla. 

Parilla said the operations against mendicants will continue to prevent them from spreading COVID-19 since most of them were not wearing masks.

Meanwhile, the CCPO has also issued several citation tickets against bikers who were caught violating protocols while in the highway.

"So ubay-ubay sad og na issuehan og citation ticket sa atong traffic enforcement unit,” Parilla said.

According to him, several bikers disregarded their request to always wear mask resulting in their apprehension. Parilla warned that they might recommend to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to prohibit biking if bikers continue to violate health protocols.

"Naay mang-luwa, manikma nga bikers nga sa tanang mga bikers nga gustong musud sa Cebu City nga mag-bike, akong hangyo nga musunod sa atong lagda nga mag sul-ob og mask," said Parilla. — FPL (FREEMAN)