Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered an investigation into the arrest of a 68-year-old man who was detained for allegedly violating the Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance. The mayor made the statement after a video of the arrest of Ireneo Selma Vidal went viral, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.
Mayor Reminds Enforcers to Be Cautious
Archival reminded the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Team to exercise caution in enforcing the ordinance. Vidal was arrested by members of the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO) on the night of May 7, 2026, after he was found playing the harmonica on Colon Street while receiving small donations from passersby.
The elderly man argued that he was not begging but merely playing music to earn money to buy food for his three-year-old grandchild. According to John Lumayag, executive director of CCAMO, in an interview with DHYP RMN Cebu, Vidal was apprehended under the city ordinance that prohibits begging.
Repeat Offender Claims
Lumayag stated that this was reportedly the fourth time Vidal had been caught for the same violation. He added that their office had previously referred Vidal to the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS), but the elderly man refused assistance. Lumayag also confirmed that Vidal's case had undergone inquest proceedings after his arrest.
Mayor Acknowledges Difficulty in Defining Mendicancy
However, Archival acknowledged the difficulty in determining whether an act constitutes begging, especially in cases where individuals perform on the street while placing a container for donations. "It's very hard to define. I didn't ask; they just gave. But if you put a coin container, you are asking, 'Please give me,'" the mayor explained.
Archival emphasized that the city government is striving to address the growing number of street dwellers and mendicants, particularly amid the challenging economic situation. He also called on charitable groups and individuals to coordinate with the city government instead of directly giving money on the street, as it encourages more people to flock and beg.
Public Urged to Report Street Dwellers
The mayor urged the public to report street dwellers or mendicants to the government through the Cebu City News page so they can be assisted through government programs.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Jun Alcover, chair of the Committee on Senior Citizens, promised to help bail out Vidal after visiting him in jail. Alcover also stated that the Council will conduct an investigation into Vidal's allegation that arresting personnel mauled him during the arrest.
