Mayor warns Muslim traders to abide with law

Following clashes with cops, POSD men 

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan warned Muslim vendors here to abide with the law or face charges particularly those who clashed with lawmen who were clearing sidewalks of unlawful stalls or extensions. 

Clashes recently erupted between vendors and peace and order safety department personnel including police due to confiscation of wares being sold along alleys and sidewalks.

Along Mabini Road, a Muslim vendor punched a POSD officer after he was told to clear his illegal stall making the latter call for police assistance.

Many Muslim traders reportedly joined the puncher and with some threatening lawmen to go away or something will happen to them.

Anticipating trouble, a police SWAT team went to the area with an ambulance.

One of Muslim troublemakers reportedly told police they called some of their members who were coming with guns.

Police told them they will wait and secured exit points to the area. When the Muslims didn’t come, their elders told police they would like the case settled at the police station.

Those who had business establishments in the area said some of the Muslim traders in the area have become so bold they even threaten their customers who return defective goods like cellphones to them.       

Domogan met with vendors last week to thresh out problem areas and discuss terms and conditions on the city’s vending policy.

This, to ensure misunderstanding between POSD personnel and vendors would be addressed.

“There will be no let-up in the implementation of the no vending policy in areas not allowed under the city’s ordinance,” the mayor said.

He however said no one would be deprived of their livelihood if they adhere to rules set by the city government.

Domogan said vendors who were given identification cards can only sell in areas designated for the purpose.“Those who will violate this will no longer be allowed to sell, their issued I.D.s will be confiscated.” Domogan also warned enterprising businessmen who lease parts of sidewalks to vendors to stop the practice stating it is against the law.

“They know that the sidewalk does not belong to any private person and should not be leased-out,” he said. 
Vendors said some sidewalks were being leased to them for a fee.  

POSD officers meanwhile said vending stands outside designated areas illegally extended stalls would be demolished with their goods confiscated.

“The city government would extend assistance to vendors in order for them not to be deprived of their livelihood as long as they don’t violate rules, As long as they follow rules, they will have no problem with our POSD team,” he said. -- With a report from Paul Rillorta