Iloilo City LEEO condemns attack on staff during clearing ops

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City Local Economic Enterprise Office condemned the attack on one of its personnel during a night clearing operation on April 8 in the City Proper, saying violence against public servants will not be tolerated.

In a statement released on the afternoon of April 10, the LEEO said the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. while its team was conducting routine monitoring and enforcement duties in public spaces.

A bottle gourd, locally known as kalubay, weighing more than half a kilogram was thrown at one of the office’s personnel during the operation.

“Such actions are dangerous, unacceptable, and have no place in a respectful and orderly society,” the statement said.

The office said its personnel were performing their official duties in good faith to ensure compliance, safety, and order.

“We reiterate that acts of hostility against public servants will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” it said.

The operations form part of the city government’s enforcement of its market ordinance, which prohibits transient vendors from selling within a 100-meter radius of the Iloilo Public Terminal Market if they offer the same goods as registered stallholders.

The policy is being implemented following complaints from legitimate vendors and nearby businesses.

The operations are conducted in coordination with the Public Order and Safety Management Office, the Task Force on Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures, and the Iloilo City Police Office.

Beyond the physical incident, the LEEO also appealed to the public to exercise responsibility in online spaces amid concerns over hostile commentary linked to enforcement activities.

“We urge everyone to choose constructive dialogue over hostility and to be mindful of the impact of their comments,” it said.

The office said it stands firmly behind its personnel and remains committed to protecting their welfare, dignity, and safety while carrying out its mandate.

It added that while concerns may be raised through proper and peaceful channels, the safety of its workforce remains its top priority.

Under existing regulations, ambulant vendors are allowed to operate near the Iloilo Terminal Market on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m., on Wednesdays at La Paz Public Market, and on Thursdays at Jaro Public Market.

The clearing operations targeting transient vendors near the city’s public markets have been a recurring source of tension between enforcement teams and informal sellers, some of whom have taken to social media to criticize the crackdowns.