More beggars seen in Calasiao as 'ber' months arrive

As the "ber" months arrive, the town of Calasiao in Pangasinan is seeing a noticeable increase in the number of beggars on the streets, particularly from the Badjao community.

Children are often seen waiting by the roadside to board passenger jeeps, where they collect money from passengers through envelopes.

Rolex Lomeda, a jeepney driver, hopes the children don't put themselves in danger, as the drivers are the ones who get in trouble.

"Huwag kayong humahabol kasi kawawa kami kung nadisgrasya kayo. Kung minsan nagmumura pa sila," Lomeda said.

Some beggars have taken to positioning themselves at fast-food chains, approaching customers for money.

This rise in street begging has caught the attention of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), which is now planning to collaborate with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) to address the issue.

"Parang child labor 'yung nangyayari doon eh. Inuutusan 'yung mga anak nila na kumita para sa magulang. Supposed to be, 'yung parents ang kumita para sa anak," Beejay Peralta, Chief of Calasiao POSO, said.

Authorities are aware of the dangers associated with street begging, not only for the children involved but also for motorists and pedestrians.

Under the Anti-Mendicancy Law, habitual beggars may be fined.

"Nakikiusap kami na sana huwag niyong hayaang palaboy-laboy doon dahil mahirap na kung sila'y maaksidente," Peralta said. —GMA Regional TV