Dagupan City authorities are stepping up efforts to curb street begging, with more than 20 individuals, including minors, rounded up in November 2024.

The crackdown comes as part of the strict implementation of the Anti-Mendicancy Law during the busy holiday season.

Minors were seen begging on the streets, with some entering private buildings. Others even ride jeeps or buses to ask passengers for money.

“Medyo makukulit talaga sila talagang tatabihan ka na bibigyan ka na ng sobre,” Hazel Finuliar, a passenger, said.

The Dagupan City Task Force Disiplina responded quickly and apprehended the group in the act of begging.

After a warning, the beggars were taken to the police station and turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office.

They were brought to their homes later.

"Nabigyan na namin sila ng mensahe na bawal na sila dito. Iniiwasan natin ang mga Badjao na umaakyat sa jeep," Gerry Fernandez, chief of the Task Force Disiplina, said.

The authorities have warned that monitoring will continue, with the task force focused on ensuring that the streets of Dagupan remain free from begging during the peak holiday season.