How unsafe is it to approach somebody begging for money in Manila?

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lapandatour33

It's safe, but giving money isn't smart. Take it from me, I've spent every summer there since I was 4. If you give money to one, they see that you're a tourist/new comer and you become their next target. They won't harm you, but you'll probably feel worse after seeing all the people you have to refuse.

Also, a lot of the children and mothers there beg for money because a man from their home village drove them to the streets to collect money. The kids don't even get to keep the money they earned, because the man gets their earnings. When you give them money, you're actually paying a cruel kidnapper to keep doing what he's doing. What I do is keep a stash of cookies and crackers in my car so I can give them food, because that's something they can keep. It also shows that you know and understand the system, but you still want to help out.

It seems cruel, and it IS sad, but you'll get used to it. You'll eventually find your own way to help out instead of giving money.

I hope moving there isn't too much of a culture shock for you. It took a while for me to adjust. Friend me if you need more tips.

Lilly B

i go to china every summer, and i am 19 years old. I have the do-good disease too, since I can never look past one of the little boys with one leg and arm, holding a grimy cup of nothing. However, my father explained to me that the children were kidnapped, forced to beg, and tortured. nobody is stopping this, and the more we give them money, the worse their situation is. the dirty people behind this are only benefitting if you give them money. Also, many beggars are in fact fakes. approaching them will not get you robbed or kidnapped, but its best to let them be, and hope they persevere to earn their future.
:)

ragdefender

If you want to do good, don't encourage begging. By giving to them, you give them an incentive to stay in the streets, to run across the highways, exposing themselves to pollution and to vehicular accidents. And I also guarantee you, if all you are able to give them is money, you have not given them much at all.

When I was in college, there was a group I joined that every weekend went to depressed areas and conducted tutoring classes. That way you keep the kids out of the streets. And hopefully, you may have made an impact on their future as well.

Edit: Kudos to Lapandat's answer. Last year there was in fact a news item about a mother who had a lost child. That child was seen later in the streets begging accompanied by a much older child. When the police recognized the boy, the older child ran away. It turned out that the boy was kidnapped from his parents and forced to beg. DO NOT give to beggars on the streets if you don't want this evil to continue.

jasperville

In any country in the world, being out in public is risky, especially in the poorer parts where the law is not heavily enforced. If local laws allow you to carry protection, like a small knife, pepper spray or other things, then do so. If you are able to take a self-defense course, please do. They're fun, good exercise and if you get cornered or someone sneaks up on you, you can defend yourself and get away. If you are exploring an unfamiliar part of the city, don't go alone or pretend to talk on your cellphone.

Also, don't leave your purse or personal valuables unguarded for even a second. Thieves are smart and quick, you won't notice the good ones until it's too late. Money belts sometimes help, but those can be swiped too.

Go see the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" it shows how the beggar system works, how some of these horrible people cripple children on purpose to get money. The woman who said to give them little treats instead, that sounds like a good idea.

Don't take unnecessary risks, be safe and always have a clear route or plan until you learn about the city more. Also, make extra copies off all your identification, in case they're stolen.

brivy

been there and done it !! MANILA ! its rough and ready as you will already know if your going to live there !! sorry poor kids with there hand out ! its hard to say no but from some of the answers you have received it seems they also know the trade ! do as i did and give food not money ! because the man watching from the corner knows you give money or food ! these men are the scum creaming from the poor child asking you for money! take care and be careful ,,, godbless from bri & ivy cagayan de oro philippines

n_nikers

dont give them money. some are members of syndicates. its not really them you're helping but the syndicate people who handles them. if you want to give something, give food or drinks. but sometimes, they might refuse that offer, then just ignore them.

if they approach you, just tell them "i dont have money.."

Bhuwisit

No money.

Give them food, drink or clothing instead. Perhaps accompanied by a kind word of hope for their stricken souls.

Either way you will only sustain them one more day--maybe.

A better way is to give to reputable organizations that are proven to do good work with a broad stroked brush.

The best way is for you to set up (with other like-minded friends) your own charitable organization.

Android

Not very safe, especially if its street children or these urchins are around. If you give something to someone, chances are you will be swarmed.

I can give you an advice. If they are out on like a platoon, ignore them. They're just going to be abusive. If you can't help it, you could look out for solitary beggars who really need help. A lot of people in the streets just pretend to be needy, when in fact they're just too damn lazy to help themselves.

I'dStillPreferNoName

Don't give them money, just ignore or don't look in them cause they'll for sure go near you and beg.

Sleepy Head

don't approach them ...

(y)

You won't have to worry about approaching them. They will come to you. If you have a habit of giving to them, they will swarm all over you like flies on a watermelon. Do all the good you want to but be aware they will steal from you, cop a feel, etc, etc. Watch their nasty little hands, you may end up with staph infection or worse. Unless your bringing enough money to feed this entire country, your gonna open up a can of worms to give to only a few and they're gonna expect something every time they see you. Be careful what you get involved with.

kuppacake

just ignore them

Max Solis

Well, I'm definitely not advising you to ignore them. Instead look around how many they are, if it's only one, give them what you can give, coins or food (I'm suggesting Food) buy ice cream or whatever. If they are many beggars around, beware, once the other spotted you giving to one person, the others will certainly approach you, cause they now think that you have something.
Unless you know krav maga (self defense) I advice you to walk with a pepper spray in your bag or purse, just in case someone gets too close and you feel uncomfortable.

Meot Tog

just show them your cool "peace" sign

whatzzzzupppp

if you want to help give to church

Peter B

touch his pickle and see.
if it dances i think it deserves a coin or 2.
if it bites run and be scared for you have angerd what you cannot understand.
life is hard i know.

xxxxxxxxxxx
LY
lol

JDstinger

Most chances are your do-good attitude will wind you up in a situtation you will regret. Ex, Rape, murdered, beaten, mugged

beaten and raped

mugged, beaten , raped and murdered (all four)

It is up to you

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