‘Badjaos in city still a problem’
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is coordinating with the Social Welfare and Development Office in Iloilo City and non-government organizations supporting IPs to address the continued presence of Badjaos in the city.
Badjaos, also known as sea gypsies, are usually from Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Basilan and Zamboanga, and are generally boat dwellers.
For some years now, they have been flocking to the city wandering and begging for alms.
Jucila Gregorio of the NCIP said their office will not tolerate the presence of these Badjaos.
“We are going to have a meeting and talk about what we will do with these Badjaos”, she said. “Of course, we are discouraging them (Badjaos) from roaming around the corners.”
Only last week, two batils or large fishing vessels loaded with Badjaos reportedly docked along the coastal barangay of Leganes town.
TASK FORCE BADJAO
In 2005, during the administration of former Mayor Mansueto Malabor, the city government created the Task Force Badjao to help the displaced indigenous group return to their places of origin.
The Badjaos, however, continued to come to the city on board a batil weeks after they left Iloilo.
“Toto,” a resident of Carles town who is married to a Badjao, said that poverty and war pushed them to sail to Iloilo some three months ago.
He said he met his wife 10 years ago in Mindanao and they have two children who are now in elementary school.
“Toto” said they like Iloilo City because the place is peaceful and friendly to their tribe.
