Belmonte orders release of vendors, probe of viral video

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the release of a number of vendors from Novaliches Bayan, who were detained due to their violation of Ordinance No. SP-1364, S-2003 (illegal vending) as well as for resisting arrest and disobedience to enforcers.

As the vendors were being taken into custody, a video of the incident became viral on social media, as it seemingly showed members of the city’s Task Force Disiplina (TFD) forcibly carrying them into their service vehicle.

“We have examined the video, and are definitely taking this situation seriously,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“We have already ordered the TFD to explain their side, and provide further context to the circumstances that led to this event. Needless to say, if there is evidence, we will punish anyone who used excessive force or violated the rules of lawful engagement while arresting the vendors,” she added.

Based on initial information from the TFD, their team was conducting anti-illegal vending operations to clear sidewalks and streets from obstruction, as mandated under Memorandum Circular No. 2020-27 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

This was when a group of vendors allegedly threw rocks at their service vehicle, causing its windows to shatter and send glass shards flying inside.

Due to this apparent assault, three vendors who were identified as the instigators were invited for a dialogue, but purportedly resisted. This left the members of the task force with no other choice but to make arrests with the assistance of the police.

Nevertheless, Belmonte assured that a full investigation would be conducted.

“Aalamin natin ang puno’t dulo ng pangyayaring ito at titiyakin natin na maparurusahan ang sinumang mapatutunayang nagkasala (We will find out the root cause of this incident and ensure that those proven to be guilty will be punished),” she said.

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Disclosure: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is a shareholder of Philstar Global Corp., which operates digital news outlet Philstar.com. This article was produced following editorial guidelines.