Vendor strikes task force member

CEBU, Philippines - A member of Talisay City’s Anti-Vending Task Force was injured Monday after reportedly being struck by a vendor with a 2”x2” lumber in sitio Molave, barangay Tabunok.

The incident was, however, not reported to the police, but according to Edwin Nierves of the Anti-Vending Task Force, since clearing up operations were started in the area, task force members have been receiving threats from vendors.

The victim was identified as Antonio Lim, a resident of barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. The task force has a suspect named “Ricky,” a fish vendor in Molave.

Speaking in behalf of his group, Nierves said the task force is only doing its job, being the implementing arm of the city government.

The court had recently ordered closed all stalls in Nacario Trade Center which sell products that are found in the Lagtang Public Market.

After the closure, the affected vendors have reportedly transferred their business to the adjacent Molave, hence the city had immediately sent its men to monitor if the reports were true.

Before the incident, Lim and other members of the task force were doing their usual monitoring.

While on their way out, “Ricky” allegedly hit Lim with a 2”x2” lumber on the back.

After the incident, “Ricky” was not seen in Molave. - THE FREEMAN