Newly seized religious icons won't be returned

CEBU - Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama allowed for the return of religious icons confiscated last June from Sto. Niño sidewalk vendors but warned that beginning today, newly seized items will no longer be released.

In a meeting with the concerned vendors yesterday, Rama explained that “trabaho na sa gobyerno ang paghapsay sa atong kadalanan ug pagpagwapa sa atong palibot.”

Also, Rama said he will order for an investigation into the alleged selling of confiscated items by some members of the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division.

The Sto. Nino Sidewalk Vendors Association, led by its president Basan Amora, had already approached city administrator Francisco Fernandez after one of their members reportedly got back some of the religious items confiscated from her when these were allegedly sold by SPEED personnel when the latter were clearing F. Gonzales Street of sidewalk vendors.

 Grace Amora said that the move of the SPEED “upsets her very much” as the items are worth over P40,000.

 SPEED chief Vicente Mercado urged the vendors to file a formal complaint against those who reportedly sold the confiscated items. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)