Council Considering Rules of Engagement on Anti-Peddling Operations
VOL. XVIII, NO. 6(Nov. 15-21)
BAGUIO CITY – The city council is considering the adoption of the rules of engagement to be observed in the implementation of anti-peddling operations.
The council committee on human rights, justice, public protection and safety, peace and order recommended the approval of the proposed resolution of Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda for the framing of the said rules which came on the heels of the death of a vendor last June 27 allegedly after being mauled by operatives of the public order and safety division (POSD).
Tabanda suggested that the rules be formulated by a team composed of a representative from the office of the city mayor – public order and safety division, city legal office, the Baguio City Market Authority, Commission on Human Rights and one representative from the market sector and one from the vendors.
“The City Mayor is tasked to implement all laws, national and local, thus, the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) was created to assist in the maintenance of order and control in the public market/public vending areas, as far as peddling/vending is concerned,” Tabanda noted.
The POSD “carries out its functions within its vested mandate and in close coordination with authorities charged with market regulations and as an implementing arm of the City Government, POSD operations must be governed by a set of rules which shall be strictly observed in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, to protect the rights and interests of the city, the vendors and the POSD personnel.”
The committee recommendation will be tackled by the city council in its session tomorrow. Monday./A Refuerzo
