By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) has rejected allegations that its enforcement personnel assaulted a 63-year-old sidewalk vendor during a clearing operation at the Libertad Public Market, citing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and existing city ordinances governing road clearing and ambulant vending.
CLO chief Karol Joseph Chiu said members of the CLO enforcement team exercised restraint and “maximum tolerance” while conducting a routine inspection and clearing operation on January 15, at 6:52 a.m. on the corner of Lizares Street and Amelia Avenue, fronting the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos.
According to Chiu, the incident began when the vendor refused to remove her kamote products that were allegedly obstructing the roadway.
Tensions escalated, resulting in the confiscation of the vendor’s sack of goods.
The vendor allegedly struck three enforcement personnel during the confrontation.
Chiu said the CCTV footage of the incident contradicts claims of assault against the vendor, showing instead that the complainant repeatedly punched a male enforcement officer, who was seen parrying the blows.
The video also showed fellow vendors stepping in to restrain her and prevent further altercation.
Chiu added that the enforcement team had issued repeated warnings to vendors occupying portions of the street as early as 6:00 a.m. before the confrontation occurred.
“We respect and recognize our sidewalk vendors, but their actions must comply with established guidelines to maintain order and safety in public spaces, particularly in busy market areas,” Chiu said.
The CLO stressed that the clearing operation was conducted under existing local laws.
City Ordinance No. 1009, series of 2022, regulates ambulant vending and designates specific vending zones to ensure cleanliness and prevent obstruction of streets.
Meanwhile, City Ordinance No. 810, series of 2017, authorizes the CLO enforcement team to clear roads of illegal structures considered nuisances or potential hazards to pedestrians, motorists and vendors.
The CLO maintained that its enforcement actions were lawful and necessary to uphold public safety and order in congested areas of the city./CJ, WDJ