4 hurt in demolition of satellite market

CEBU, Philippines - Four were hurt when the Talisay City government demolished Friday an illegal satellite market in sitio Molave, barangay Tabunok in Talisay City.

Hurt were Talisay City Anti-Illegal Vending Task Force head Edwin Nierves, Jerry Vitracorta, 32, and Felixberto Abadilla, 49.

An allegedly enraged vendor struck Nierves with a hard object.

Two of Nierves’ men, Vitracorta and Abadilla, were stoned and sustained bruises.

Opposition Councilor Romeo Villarante described the clearing Friday of an illegal satellite market in sitio Molave, barangay Tabunok in Talisay City by the city government as “anti-poor.”

“They should stop it. It’s anti-poor and causes much inconvenience to the buying public,” Villarante said in an interview with The Freeman yesterday. 

Vendors had no permits to sell in the area behind the Nacario Trade Center which lies across the old Tabunok market because the mayor reportedly would not issue them one.

Last August 29, Fernandez signed an executive order ordering the removal of structures at sitio Molave.

But the executive order issued by Fernandez, according Villarante, is one way of directing the vendors to transfer to the Lagtang Market even if they refuse considering that the old market is more accessible to customers. 

A case is pending in court seeking the closure of the Nacario Trade Center in order to compel vendors to move to the new market in Lagtang.

As a comprise, Villarante suggested that the city government reopen the Tabunok public market. 

“It’s time to reopen the Tabunok public market. It’s the only solution to the problem,” Villarante said.   (FREEMAN)