City government brings back the sidewalk to the pedestrians

COTBATO CITY (September 30, 2016) --  In an extensive operation conducted by the city government of Cotabato, together with the elements of the city police in some barangays officials, sidewalks all around the downtown area of this city has been cleared of illegal vendors.

This operation is following the national clean-up drive, an activity spearheaded by the Department of Interior and Local Government last September. A task force has been created by the local government to take on the responsibility of monitoring these sidewalk vendors and confiscating their stalls every time they put it up.

City Administrator Dr. Danda N. Juanday said this was not an abrupt or a sudden operation. Initial warnings were already given to these illegal vendors months before the operation and just last August, they were already given notices to vacate their positions or else they will be subject to a clearing operation.

Illegal stalls along the sidewalks of Don Rufino Alonzo Street, Sinsuat Avenue, and Japal J. Guiani, Sr. Street have already been removed by the task force and are continuously being monitored to make sure that these illegal structures will not be returned in these locations.

“We only implement what the law prescribes. We call these structures illegal because they operate without permits and the city government cannot issue business permits to stalls that are operating on sidewalks. We have often reminded them to just sell their products inside our markets and pay their necessary fees” Dr. Juanday said.

He also added that the clearing operation aimed to give back the sidewalks to the pedestrians. It has been often complained by concerned citizens of this city that most sidewalks were already occupied by illegal vendors so they are not able to pass by smoothly. Others also raised concerns about security and safety issues.

City Mayor Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi said these illegal structures can be hiding spots of thieves and if left unnoticed, terrorists can easily leave explosive devices in these areas.

“The city government is only doing all it can to protect our citizens. Rest assured that these operations are in compliance with the law. Here in Cotabato City, we make sure that the rule of law prevails. Ginagawaan na lang po natin ng paraan kung paano natin matulungan ang mga apektado ng ating clearing operations” Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

(HALIMA K. SATOL-IBRAHIM/MINDANAO EXPOSE’)