Baguio police warn public against giving money to beggars

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) urged residents and visitors not to give money directly to individuals begging on the streets, warning the practice may encourage dependency and habitual mendicancy.

In a public advisory, the BCPO said people should instead support city-backed programs that provide sustainable assistance, including livelihood initiatives, temporary shelters and community aid projects coordinated with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Police issued the reminder following an incident on T. Alonzo Street after the Panagbenga Grand Float Parade on March 1.

Authorities said a vagrant armed with a knife forcibly grabbed the issued firearm of a policewoman who had been temporarily assigned to BCPO as augmenting personnel.

The officer had just completed her duty as part of a crowd control team for the parade and was on her way home when the incident occurred, police said.

Other officers who were alerted pursued the suspect. While fleeing, the man accidentally pulled the trigger, hitting the left side of his hip, according to police.

The suspect was immediately transported to Baguio General Hospital Medical Center for medical treatment.

BCPO City Director Police Colonel Ruel D. Tagel said the incident should not alarm the public.

“Baguio City remains a safe place to live, work and visit,” Tagel said, reaffirming the police office’s commitment to provide “swift, sincere and responsive police service.”

Police encouraged the public to channel assistance to vulnerable individuals through official government programs rather than giving money directly on the streets.