Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 22) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Tuesday it has rescued about 200 indigenous people seen begging in the streets of Metro Manila.
“Noong nagsimula ng rescue operations, mahigit kumulang 200 individuals na ang na-rescue. May 20 families na nasa ating center. Ina-arrange natin ang pag-uwi nila sa kanilang probinsiya,” DSWD Usec. Edu Punay said during a briefing.
[Translation: When rescue operations began, almost 200 individuals had been rescued. There are 20 families in our center. We are arranging for them to return home to their province.]
Some of those rescued were roaming in Makati, Muntinlupa, and Pasay, he said.
The DSWD official said they were in close coordination with local government executives in Metro Manila for the rescue operations.
Temporary shelter and assistance were provided for the indigenous people, Punay said.
Meanwhile, in a chance interview, DSWD Sec. Erwin Tulfo said a total of 130 indigenous people had already been sent home.
“We’re giving them food packs and kits, pero we will not give them money. Instead we will give the money to our provincial social welfare office, sila magdi-distribute (they’re the ones who will distribute.),” Tulfo said.
