Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez has ordered an investigation into a clearing operation that became controversial after a businesswoman died during its enforcement, saying authorities must determine whether protocols were followed and if personnel failed to help the victim.
Fernandez summoned all personnel involved in the July 16 clearing operation in Barangay Lucao.
The operation drew public attention after the owner of one of the stalls covered by the clearing drive died after suffering a hypertensive attack during the incident.
The mayor said investigators would determine why many personnel from the city's Anti-Littering Task Force and the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) had to be deployed to clear only two adjacent stalls.
"Hindi ko alam kung ilang POSO at ilang Anti-Littering ang nagpunta. That is not the way to approach," she said.
Fernandez said investigation would also examine whether there were violations in the conduct of the clearing operation and whether claims that no one immediately helped bring the businesswoman to the hospital were true.
She assured the public that the local government's investigation would be fair and impartial.
The mayor also directed that future city-led clearing operations must first be coordinated with her office, unless they are initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
"Next time, they have to consult me sa lahat ng gagawin nilang operations," she said.
Fernandez also visited the wake of the businesswoman to extend her condolences to the bereaved family.
The victim's daughter, Cherry Jane Guarin, appealed for authorities to release the original, unedited videos and photos recorded by the Anti-Littering Task Force and POSO personnel during the operation.
"Sana makita namin 'yung video kasi dalawang version daw 'yun. Sana ipakita sa amin 'yung hindi edited, 'yung may sound," she said.
Fernandez said the city government applies its clearing operations equally across Dagupan and does not single out any individual or establishment.
