100 Badjaos rounded up in predawn 'anti-drug' drive

MANILA, Philippines - At least 100 Badjao "beggars" were rounded up in Manila's downtown Sta. Cruz district before dawn Friday in what police claimed was an anti-drug drive. Radio dzBB's Louie Garcia reported the Badjaos, who included pregnant women and children, were staying at Barangay 369, Zone 37 when they were rounded up. Chief Inspector Robert Domingo, deputy head of the Manila Police District Station 3, said the raid stemmed from information that some of the Badjaos are working as runners for drug rings. Domingo also said some of the Badjaos had started to learn to use drugs. Investigation showed most of the Badjaos arrived last December to beg, and refused to go home because they claimed pirates would harass their families. The Badjaos were brought to the city's social welfare office for verification. Those found positive will undergo rehabilitation. But Domingo said those found possessing drugs will be detained. In the meantime, Domingo said they will post personnel in the raided area to deter drug rings. The Bajaos (people of the sea) belong to the indigenous tribe of Samal who were originally living within the coastal areas of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur. Due to poverty some of them have been lured to work as beggars in main urban centers in the country. - GMANews.TV