Manila opens sports complex to homeless

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila government has started using the Delpan Sports Complex as a temporary shelter for the city’s homeless and those left stranded in the city after the government enforced a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. On Wednesday, City Hall personnel rescued around 20 individuals from the streets.

Food and sleeping mats were being provided for those staying at the sports complex after they underwent screening to ensure that they were free of symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“We will help whoever is in need,” Manila Department of Social Welfare and Development chief Re Fugoso told the Inquirer in a text message. She said the city would also provide food for the homeless.

The plight of homeless families in the capital city was brought to the public’s attention after the arrest of an elderly woman who lived in the streets went viral on Tuesday.

The 69-year-old woman was sleeping on the sidewalk of Leveriza Street when barangay officials enforcing a citywide curfew woke her up.

She reportedly hurled invectives at authorities after she was warned against violating the 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.