‘Manila cleared of street dwellers this month’

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has ordered the removal of streets dwellers in the city by the end of this month.

Estrada directed Arnold Pangan, officer-in-charge of the city social welfare and development, to “rescue” street children and the homeless numbering to 300.

Pangan said they are looking into the “escape for a fee” scheme in rehabilitation centers where the street dwellers are brought.

“We received reports that those who have been staying in rehabilitation centers for years are the ones allowing the newly rescued street dwellers to escape. They are charging them a minimum amount of P200,” he said.

Pangan said the city government would no longer bring street dwellers to the Fabella rehabilitation center in Mandaluyong City.

“We are conducting investigation to find out if syndicates are manipulating the street children to escape from the rehabilitation centers,” he said.

Pangan said they conduct operations to rescue street children every day.

Last Wednesday, city social workers rescued 86 street dwellers. They were brought to the Boys Town complex in Marikina.

Pangan said the local government is also planning to clear Manila of sidewalk vendors.