The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, is set to deputize market vendors to assist in addressing the persistent issue of ambulant vendors at the town’s market.

These ambulant vendors have reportedly disrupted operations at the market because they insist on selling even without permit. Even after getting rounded up, they would go back to the market after a few days.

Vendors get their permits following inspections by POSO.

In an attempt to address this problem, POSO wants market vendors to help monitor.

"Since nandito na sila sa area, sila na ang aaksiyon para maagapan ang problema dito," Gerry Ydia, POSO chief, said.

The move received support from the Fish Vendors Association but the group’s president said authorities do not seem to scare the ambulant vendors.

"I am always there visiting the ambulant vendors pero hindi sila natatakot. Kahit na POSO nga, hindi pa sila natatakot. Ako pa kaya?" Norie Aquino, President of the Mangaldan Fish Vendors Association, said.

Aquino suggested the need for an ordinance that would prevent vendors from operating without permits, adding, that even squatters engaging in business should be apprehended.

Deputization is what the city also did to combat colorum drivers. It has tapped tricycle drivers to be enforcers to help with traffic violations and even apprehend colorum drivers, when necessary.