ARMM urged to address Badjaos' welfare

COTABATO CITY - The city government of Cotabato has urged the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to look into the welfare of Badjaos in the city.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi told reporters that the number of Badjaos, especially children, is rising in the city. Notably, the Badjaos are seen in malls and along major city streets begging for money amid excruciating heat.At a news briefing, Sayadi urged the ARMM leadership to look into the welfare of the Badjaos who she said are not residents of the city.These people, she said, come to the city to beg but they live in Bongo island, off the coast of Parang, Maguindanao.At night or during the week hours, Mayor Sayadi has been roaming around the city with the local police as part of the city's campaign against illegal drugs.On many occasions, Sayadi and law enforcers found Badjao children and mothers sleeping at roadsides and outside business establishments.She said the city government has no records that they are residents of the city but in Bongo Island which is part of ARMM.