Cebu City ramping up drive vs street exploitation, trafficking

Cebu City is ramping up its campaign against street-level exploitation and suspected human trafficking, following disturbing reports of organized schemes involving children, women, and deceptive solicitation tactics.

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Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival ordered the Anti-Mendicancy Board to identify syndicates using street dwellers to solicit money in public places. Photo shows street dwellers in Metro Cebu. JOY TORREJOS

(JOY TORREJOS)

Mayor Nestor Archival has already ordered the Anti-Mendicancy Board to identify syndicate-linked operations and coordinate rescue and enforcement efforts across the city.

“This is no longer just about pangayo-pangayo,” Archival said earlier. “We’re seeing patterns that suggest organized exploitation. Some of these could fall under trafficking.”

Among the cases flagged by the mayor's office is a group referred to as the “sabon gang.”

Individuals reportedly approach motorists with free soap offers.

Once a driver stops, they are asked for identification and then told they are relatives or neighbors—followed by a request for money.

Archival said the tactic is manipulative and possibly coordinated, noting that several complaints have reached City Hall in recent weeks.

Another report described children being dropped off in commercial areas such as JY Square by L300 van.

Their footwear is removed to heighten public sympathy, and women carrying infants are seen roaming the streets, allegedly coached to solicit money.

“Naay mga mama nagda og mga bata, maoy ilang pasuroy-suroyon,” Archival said. “Nidaghan ang mga bata nga masuso sa karsada.”