City Market Enterprises supervisor Jose Ronnie Fortin denied allegations that market task force personnel are harassing ambulant vendors at the Dumaguete public market.

The vendors have claimed that they were being harassed by members of the Market Task Force whenever they sell their goods inside the market, and that their wares are being confiscated. Fortin, however, said the vendors are aware of the areas where they are strictly prohibited, especially along Gov. Mariano Perdices and San Jose streets.

He said all task force members have been instructed not to hurt anyone, but to only confiscate the goods as evidence of violation.

These goods are being brought to the market enterprises office for recording and assessment, Fortin said.

Under a city ordinance, ambulant vendors caught will be made to pay a penalty, which is equivalent to 25 percent of the total assessed value of the confiscated goods, Fortin said.

He said that, in most cases, these vendors do not surrender their goods, resulting in squabbles between them and task force personnel.

Last month, a task force enforcer was attacked and injured in the arm by a vendor, Fortin said. He encouraged the vendors to report to his office any harassment done by task force enforcers.

He said ambulant vendors must be controlled since they are already increasing in numbers.

Some vendors even came from Cebu, Bacolod and Bohol. If this is not addressed properly, they will create a problem in the city, Fortin added.*MA

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