A 68-year-old man, Ireneo Vidal, has been reunited with his family after being released from jail on May 14, 2026. His freedom came through the assistance of the Committee on Senior Citizens, following his arrest by the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (Ccamo) on May 7 for begging along Colon Street. Vidal was apprehended for violating a city ordinance that prohibits begging.
Expedited Release
With the help of Councilor Jun Alcover, the processing of Vidal's release was expedited. Due to his age and the minor nature of the offense, the court decided to place him under summary proceedings under Presidential Decree No. 1563 and City Ordinance 1631. Instead of paying a fine or bail of PHP 3,000, he was released after signing a promise to attend his hearings, starting with his arraignment on June 22, 2026.
Allegations of Abuse
Beyond legal assistance, Alcover assured that they would investigate Vidal's claim that he was maltreated by Ccamo personnel during his arrest. "We might file a case against these people who did this because we will not abandon him. This must be stopped... this can be a lesson to our Ccamo personnel not to be abusive," Alcover stated.
Vidal recounted that he was merely playing his selendron (a traditional string instrument) by the roadside to earn money for food for his three-year-old grandchild. He emphasized that he did not forcefully ask for money.
Reunion with Family
Upon his release, the elderly man could not hide his joy. "I am happy because I will see my grandchild again," Vidal said, as he had not been home since May 7. Alcover's office will coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) to ensure that Vidal is properly cared for and does not return to the streets. They have also prepared a lawyer to handle his case until it is fully resolved.
