A road clearing operation at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on April 29, 2026, escalated into a violent confrontation between members of the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) and sidewalk vendors. The incident began when authorities attempted to confiscate goods displayed outside designated vending areas, leading to a heated argument that turned physical. Viral videos showed minors, allegedly children of vendors, also participating in the clash.
ASU Seeks Sworn Statement from Injured Personnel
Paul Bermejo, head of the ASU, disclosed that the City Legal Office has been informed and is awaiting further submissions, including a sworn statement from an ASU member who sustained head and knee injuries during the altercation. “I will get his sworn statement. Until now, he has not gone to the City Legal Office because he is not yet stable, so I am waiting for when he can be asked for his statement. From there, we will base what really happened in Bankerohan,” Bermejo said in a radio interview on May 5.
Details of the Clash
The operation along Marfori Street in Barangay 5-A turned violent when vendors resisted the removal of goods from unauthorized areas. The confrontation temporarily disrupted market activities and resulted in injuries on both sides. Bermejo emphasized that the city had exercised “extended patience” before the operation, noting that vendors had long occupied spaces meant for pedestrians and vehicles, violating local regulations.
Legal Basis and Future Measures
City officials cited Ordinance No. 0334-12, or the Davao City Comprehensive Transport and Traffic Code, which prohibits vending on sidewalks, streets, and other public spaces. Enforcement is deemed necessary for public safety and traffic flow. In response, the ASU has submitted a proposed joint road-clearing schedule to Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s office to improve coordination among agencies, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, barangay officials, and the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Bermejo described road clearing as a “shared responsibility” and stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach to prevent similar incidents. Authorities are deepening their investigation to identify the root cause of the violence and urge vendors to cooperate with regulations. City officials hope that improved coordination and compliance will maintain order in public spaces like Bankerohan Public Market.
