Authorities in Mangaldan, Pangasinan have ordered ambulant fish vendors to return to the designated fish section of the public market following repeated complaints from stallholders inside.

The Fish Vendors Association said the move is necessary since selling outside the assigned area has been hurting their sales.

“Mabuti naman para makabenta kami ng maayos kasi kapag nasa labas sila hindi kami nakakabenta ng maayos,” Michael Prestoza, a fish vendor, said.

“Kami nalulugi dito sa loob kasi marami sila sa labas,” Trininig Dispo, another vendor, added.

However, some ambulant vendors said they leave the fish section to sell in other areas because their assigned location is too far and buyers rarely pass by.

Mangaldan Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) Chief Gerry Ydia said the local government has directed the Mangaldan Task Force to monitor the market daily. Vendors caught selling outside the fish section will face confiscation of goods and fines.

“Talagang tututukan natin ‘yan para masiguro natin na wala nang makakabalik dito,” Ydia said.

Authorities also warned that continued violations could lead to a ban on selling in the town’s public market.