Archival: Syndicates behind mendicancy

Mayor Nestor Archival has raised alarm over reports of multiple modus operandi disguised as begging, stressing the possibility that organized groups or "syndicates" may be behind these activities.

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With the onset of the yuletide season, city officials have observed a rise in mendicants on the streets.

In a press conference yesterday, Archival said he had convened the Anti-Mendicancy Board, which has begun mapping out resolutions to address the continuing concerns regarding street dwellers and mendicants.

Archival said he has instructed the board to identify areas with higher concentrations of mendicants and to profile them, noting that several NGOs also provide assistance based on specific categories.

While confirming the increase in mendicants since the start of the “ber” months, Archival flagged troubling reports raised during the board’s meetings.

He cited an incident in which a vehicle was allegedly seen dropping off children to beg.