Vendors attack village chief in Quiapo

MANILA, Philippines — Vendors tried to beat up a barangay chairman in Quiapo, Manila upon learning of his plan to remove their stalls Thursday afternoon.

More than 200 vendors were having a dialogue with Barangay 307 chairman Johnny dela Cruz after finding out he was about to conduct a road clearing operation when Leo Madrigal attacked him at around 2 p.m.

Madrigal, who was accompanied by several men believed to be armed, punched Dela Cruz. The commotion nearly led to a brawl until Dela Cruz’s brother fired warning shots. 

Minutes later, a team from the Manila Police District’s special reaction unit arrived and took control of the situation. 

Dela Cruz said he was just conducting the clearing operation “because the vendors have occupied the streets.” 

He added that he was just following the orders of Manila Mayor Joseph to enforce the standard measurement of stalls for the vendors.

One of the vendors, however, said they are paying police and barangay officials for the space they occupy.