A scuffle between a Mangaldan market enforcer and an ambulant vendor, captured in an amateur video, has once again highlighted tension in the town’s public market as authorities crack down on unauthorized sellers.

The video shows an ambulant vendor struggling to keep hold of his fish after a Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) enforcer confiscated his goods for selling at the vegetable section of the Mangaldan Public Market, a violation of local market rules. Seconds later, the items fall to the ground as the two argue.

Market vendors say similar confrontations often occur whenever POSO teams patrol the area to remind ambulant vendors of designated selling zones.

“Natatakot na rin silang mag-display at napansin natin kaninang 6 o’clock na nandito tayo, ‘yung mga dried fish lang na nagtitinda ang mga nandiyaan,” Gerardo Ydia, Mangaldan POSO chief, said.

One POSO enforcer also claimed he was injured recently while trying to confiscate a vendor’s items.

“‘Yung hinatak niya ‘yung damit ko nung kinukuha ko ‘yung isda niya. Hindi niya binitawan ‘yung damit ko,” Edwin Soriano, POSO enforcer, said.

Despite the risks, POSO continues its operations and notes a slight decrease in the number of ambulant vendors in recent weeks. Penalties have also been raised to discourage violations.

“Mataas na ‘yung penalty nila dahil ang first offense ay ₱500, ₱1,000 and then confiscated na talaga,” Ydia said.

Authorities are also monitoring closely non-resident ambulant vendors who, they say, have contributed to congestion at the market.

Established stallholders, meanwhile, fear the impact of unchecked ambulant selling to their income.

“Lalo po pag walang papasok dito na bibili. Eh kaming mga nagtitinda nag-aalala din po kami na konti lang ang mairere-remit sa amo namin,” Emma Erto, a fish vendor, said.

The local government has yet to issue a statement on whether new guidelines will be introduced, but POSO says operations will continue in an effort to maintain order and safety inside the public market.