A crackdown on street vendors in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, caused a stir morning on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as authorities confiscated goods from those selling illegally near the public market.

The operation, led by the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), targeted vendors selling outside the designated areas.

"In fairness to other fish vendors, dapat lang na doon sila magtinda sa fish vendor’s area. Hindi dito sa gulayan. Kawawa naman ang mga nagtitinda dun sa fish vendor’s area," POSO Chief Gerardo Ydia said.

The operation was split into two, covering Biagtan Street, a known area for street vending.

One vendor attempted to reclaim the fish confiscated from him but authorities stopped him and explained the violation.

The vendors can retrieve the goods confiscated at POSO for a fee.

Norie Aquino, president of the Mangaldan Fish Vendors Association, expressed frustration over the situation:

"That is the main problem of my association... most of the buyers hindi na pumapasok, madalang na lang," Aquino said.

Aquino called on street vendors to respect fair business practices, especially for vendors inside the market.

The fish vendors, who have long struggled with competition from street vendors, are hopeful that the crackdown will bring more balance to their livelihood.