622 street dwellers rescued in Makati in June, July

Some 622 street dwellers, many of them minors, were rescued from the streets of Makati City in June and July, the city government said Wednesday.

The rescue operations were a joint operation of the city police, Makati Social Welfare Department (MSWD) and Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC).

Citing post-operation reports, the city government said the task force rescued 296 street dwellers in June and 326 in July.

Many of those taken into custody were boys and girls, aged 14 to 17, found loitering along Makati Avenue and Gil Puyat (Buendia) at night.

Others included men aged 40 to 55 and women aged 26 to 30. Many of them slept on the side streets and on sidewalks.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. earlier ordered intensified efforts against petty crimes, many of which were blamed on streetchildren.

The efforts also sought to minimize accidents involving minors.

Drug tests

MADAC chief Jaime Santos said minors rescued for the first time and who tested negative for drugs were brought to their parents.

Repeat offenders were referred to MSWD and to the Social Development Center or Makati Youth Homes.

Adults found positive for drug use were subjected to counseling from social workers, before they were referred to proper agencies, including government rehabilitation centers.

Drug-free non-residents were endorsed to Jose Fabella Homes.

In the last two months, the operations covered the following areas:

• Barangay Poblacion: P. Burgos Street, Tigris Street, Polaris Street, Makati Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue
• Barangay Bangkal: Linera St. corner EDSA, Rodriguez St., A. Mabini St. corner EDSA, A. Bonifacio St. corner Evangelista St., and A. Belarmino St. corner Evangelista St.
• Barangay Pio del Pilar: Arnaiz St. and Medina St. corner Dela Rosa St.

On July 15, the joint task force moved 21 people—10 children and 11 adults—from the stretch of J.P. Rizal Extension leading to the Pasig River Ferry-Guadalupe Station, and from the Makati Park and Garden in Brgy. Cembo before the onslaught of Typhoon Glenda. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News