Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD)

Hi! 

I would like to request for the numbers or statistics of cases reported about children or any person which may or may not have disability found in the streets begging.

Also a statistics about those who were allegedly forced to beg either by their parents or by other persons.

I am also eager to know if there exists cases of kidnapping of children who were transported to far away places just to beg.

I am really hoping for a positive and quick response.
Thank you so much!

Respectfully,

Claudine Mae Teodoro

September 28, 2018

Dear Claudine Mae,

Thank you for your request dated Sep 27, 2018 under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Number of Child Beggars that are Forced to Beg.

We received your request on Sep 27, 2018 and will respond on or before Oct 18, 2018 11:37:07 AM, in accordance with the Executive Order's implementing rules and regulations.

Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact me using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://pcoomaster06212017080000-dot-efoi-ph.appspot.com/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHgsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEURTV0QtOTE2MDI0MDk2NDUwDA, for request with ticket number #DSWD-916024096450.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Myrna Reyes
FOI Officer

28 September 2018

Dear Ms. Claudine Mae Teodoro,

You requested for records/legal documents with information on the following “(1) Numbers or Statistics of cases reported about children or any person which may or may not have disability found in the streets begging, (2) Statistics about those who were allegedly forced to beg either by their parents or by their parents or by other persons, and (3) Cases of kidnapping of children who were transported to far away places just to beg.”

Unfortunately, the DSWD does not have the information you need. Thus, we are constrained to deny your request.

We understand that it is the local government units (LGUs) that conduct operations against vagrancy, including begging. Thus, you may wish to consider addressing your query on this matter to the LGU concerned. 

The data requested under (2) and (3) refer to crimes (see Notes below). Thus, you may wish to consider addressing your queries on these matters to the Philippine National Police.

Very truly yours,

Carlo Florendo C. Castro
FOI Decision Maker

Notes: 

(2) is a violation of Section 10 (e) of Republic Act No. 7610 [Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act], while (3) is a violation of Articles 267 or 268 of the Revised Penal Code.