104 rescued in Binondo 'Galugad' operation, including 36 minors
Elements of the MPD rescue street dwellers in Binondo (Photo courtesy of the MPD)
A total of 104 individuals, including 36 minors and 43 street dwellers, were rescued in a coordinated Oplan Galugad operation conducted by the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 11 in Binondo, Manila.
The operation was led by Lt. Col. Inocencio Richard Villanueva, station commander of MPD Station 11, in line with the directive of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and in accordance with existing city ordinances on curfew and street safety.
The operation was conducted in partnership with the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), headed by Director Jay Dela Fuente, and the Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT) under Maj. Edward Samonte.
Out of the 104 individuals, 79 were identified as either minors or mendicants.
These individuals were not arrested but were rescued from potential risks associated with staying on the streets at night.
They were turned over to the MDSW for appropriate welfare interventions and temporary custody.
The rescued minors included 21 males and 15 females, while the 43 street dwellers were identified as at-risk individuals exposed to unsafe conditions during nighttime hours.
An additional 25 individuals, including seven minors (five males and two females) and 18 adults, were intercepted for violating the city’s curfew ordinance.
They were turned over to their respective barangays for further handling.
Three adult males were arrested for curfew violation. Upon inspection, they were found in possession of dried marijuana leaves and drug paraphernalia.
Charges have been filed against them for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
They are currently under the custody of the MPD Station 11.
Two individuals, including a minor, were also apprehended for allegedly selling solvent, a substance commonly associated with inhalant abuse.
Appropriate charges are being pursued in coordination with local social welfare units, particularly for the involvement of a minor.
Lt. Col. Villanueva reaffirmed the commitment of MPD Station 11 to continuously enforce all applicable city ordinances, specifically those related to youth protection and curfew violations.
These operations are being conducted under the guidance of MPD District Director Brigadier Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay Abad and as part of the continuing public safety and welfare agenda of the City Government of Manila.