Crackdown on illegal vendors continues

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – The city government’s Task Force SAGARR (Special Action Group Advocating Rapid Reform) vowed to pursue relentlessly its campaign against illegal vendors, particularly those at the “paunay” or flea market where many hawkers have suddenly surfaced.

Joey Abella of Task Force SAGARR was quoted as saying the intensified drive came in the heels of complaints from legitimate sellers and stallholders at the city public market regarding the influx of illegal vendors that have compromised their businesses, a news release from the City Information Office said.

Abella also said many vendors have formed themselves into groups but only those allowed by the city government are the ones positioned along Pinili Street while those in the vicinity of Colon and Pinili Streets near the Mercury Drug are illegal.

The task force will continue with their surprise operations at an unspecified time so as not to alert these illegal vendors.

It was noted that many illegitimate vendors have flocked especially along Perdices Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, while the city is celebrating its charter day and fiesta activities and through the Christmas season.

The task force has repeatedly warned the illegal vendors along streets of densely populated areas but to no avail.  (FREEMAN)