MMDA-DSWD teams no match with ‘elusive’ child beggars?

Despite the combined efforts of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to rid the metropolis of child beggars, poor children continue to roam the streets as Christmas draws closer. As the red light strikes at any intersection and at the first sign of traffic congestion, the children swarm around, dart from vehicle to vehicle, knock on windshields and beg. Congested portions of main roads, such as at the intersection of Quirino and Taft Avenues in Manila, are favorite hangouts of child beggars. Other than sticking out their palms for money, some do some tested tricks to gain compassion and of course, the money. Some would hop unto hoods and wipe clean the windshields of jeepneys and gesture for the payout. Others would crawl between the rows and with their rags, wipe the shoes of surprised passengers.

At the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex at the boundary of Manila and Pasay Cities, some child beggars were seen dancing in front of vehicles stuck in the traffic. In downtown Manila, meanwhile, adult beggars carrying infants had moved to streets where commercial establishments are located, seemingly targeting Christmas shoppers. Last weekend, the MMDA and DSWD said they will team up to keep beggars, especially children, off the streets during the Christmas season. MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes said he had received reports from many motorists about beggars blocking the road to force them to stop. Inocentes cited reports reaching him indicating at least two child beggars had died after being hit while begging on thoroughfares. MMDA general manager Robert Nacianceno said last weekend that beggars are putting their lives and those of motorists in danger. - LBG, GMNews.TV