Mayor Nestor Archival has ordered an internal investigation into city personnel involved in the arrest of a bottled water vendor at Plaza Sugbo, an incident that resurfaced online and drew public criticism after a video went viral.
Archival said the enforcement action was based on an existing city ordinance, but stressed that misconduct or excessive force by authorities will not be tolerated.
In an interview on Friday, January 2, the mayor said the city government is enforcing Cebu City Ordinance No. 2686, or the Anti-Road Obstruction Ordinance.
However, he emphasized that enforcement teams were instructed to exercise restraint, especially when dealing with small vendors.
“Naa tay usa ka ordinance nga 2686 nga nagdumili sa mga tawo sa pag-tinda sa mga plaza. Like diri sa City Hall plaza. Pero ang akong direktiba sa atong mga tawo nga nag-clean sa streets like sa Probe, CSET, is maximum tolerance,” Archival said.
The mayor was referring to the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (Probe) team and the Cebu City Enforcement Team (CSET).
Archival said the city generally allows vendors to continue their livelihood in areas where they maintain cleanliness, do not obstruct public spaces, and do not generate complaints.
However, he said Plaza Sugbo has become a priority enforcement area due to numerous complaints from tourists, tour operators, and people frequenting the City Hall complex.
“Ang dinha sa plaza, daghan na kaayo reports nga grabe na kagubot,” he said.
He cited concerns over the growing number of mendicants in the area, including children who have allegedly become aggressive toward the public.
“Daghan na ang mga bata ang sige’g pangayo. Masuko pa ug dili tagaan,” Archival said.
According to the mayor, 16 mendicants have already been arrested, detained, and charged.
Those who later apologized and committed to stop begging were released. Complaints were also raised against ambulant vendors selling bottled water, with allegations that some indiscriminately discarded used plastic bottles.
Archival clarified that the incident shown in the viral video happened on December 16 and had already been investigated by his office before resurfacing online.
“Naa’y usa sa December 16 nga akong giimbestigar kung angay ba tangtangon ang tawo nga naghimo og dili mao,” he said.
Based on reports from the Probe team and police, the vendor had allegedly been warned multiple times and later became confrontational during the operation.
“Gisigehan na siya ug badlong, pero naa’y pagka-isog na siya. Mao na nga ilang gipanginuha nga dal-on sa police station. Naa pay instances nga niingon ang personnel nga musukol, manumbag,” Archival said.
The mayor said the vendor was restrained, brought to the police station, briefly detained, and later requested that no charges be filed.
“Nihangyo siya nga dili lang pasakaan ug kaso, ug nakabuhi na siya,” he said.
Archival also questioned how video footage taken by city operatives circulated online.
“Kanang nagkuha anang video nga nag-circulate, ato nang mga operatives. Wala ko kasabot ngano niabot na ni,” he said.
Despite saying the issue had been settled in December, the mayor ordered a renewed review following public backlash.
“[Karong] 1 p.m. akong i-meeting ang Probe ug tanang tawo nga nagdakop. Tan-awon nato kung naa’y dili mao,” he said.
He said personnel found to have violated protocols could face sanctions.
“Kung angay tangtangon ang tawo nga naghimo ug dili mao, atong tangtangon. Kining mga head nga dili maayo, atong ilisan,” Archival said.
With the Sinulog Festival approaching, the mayor stressed the need to keep Plaza Sugbo orderly.
“Karong Sinulog, kinahanglan orderly ang lugar, kay mao ni ang centro sa Christianity. We need to protect the area,” he said.
Archival reiterated that the city’s approach remains inclusive.
“Ang atong direction is inclusive. Tanang mga tawo atong atimanon. Ang ato gyud is to create order. Mao ra gyud na ang punto,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Jun Alcover criticized the incident in a Facebook post.
“Nagka-salbahis ang mga tawo ni Archival Sr. Mora’g semi-martial law na bisan Pasko. […] Way kasing-kasing sa mga pobre,” Alcover wrote.
Cebu City Ordinance No. 2686 prohibits road obstructions, illegal vending, and unauthorized structures in public spaces. Archival said the ordinance will continue to be enforced, but discipline among enforcers is non-negotiable.
“Pwede ra gyud ni maistoryahan. Dili ni kinahanglan himuon ug grudge nga makacreate ug division. Dili na mao ang tuyo sa city government,” he said.
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