The Quezon City government is looking into the viral video of an incident involving members of Task Force Disiplina (TFD) and some ambulant vendors in Novaliches Bayan.
The video of the incident was posted by a concerned citizen on Facebook, wherein a number TFD members appear to be carrying sidewalk vendors into their service vehicle.
“We have examined the video, and definitely taking this situation seriously,” said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. “We have already ordered the TFD to explain their side, and provide further context to the circumstances that led to this event. Needless to say, if there is evidence, we will punish anyone who used excessive force and abused their authority while arresting these vendors,” she added.
Based on initial information from the TFD, their group was conducting anti-illegal vending operations to clear sidewalks and streets from obstruction, as mandated by Memorandum Circular No. 2020-27 issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This is when a group of vendors allegedly threw rocks at their service vehicle.
Due to this disruption, three vendors who were identified as the instigators were invited for a dialogue, but they purportedly resisted. This left the members of the task force with no other choice but to make arrests with the assistance of the police.
“Unauthorized vending site kung saan sila nakitang nagtitinda. Maliban pa rito, nakita itong tatlong vendors na siyang nambato ng aming patrol kaya sila rin po iyong hinuli,” said one of the TFD officers.
Nevertheless, Belmonte ensured that a proper investigation would be conducted. “Aalamin natin ang puno’t dulo ng pangyayaring ito at titiyakin natin na maparurusahan ang sinumang mapatutunayang nagkasala,” the Mayor concluded.
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