THE CITY government vowed to look into the confrontation between market vendors and members of the demolition team at the Bankerohan Public Market on April 29, 2026, which was heavily condemned by a labor group.
In a separate statement issued May 1, the city government said it is investigating in coordination with the Davao City Police Office, and that “appropriate action will be taken based on verified facts.”
“While protecting livelihoods is important, enforcement of existing regulations is necessary to ensure fairness and order,” the city’s statement read.
For its part, Davao-based Kilusang Mayo Uno–Southern Mindanao Region (KMU-SMR) condemned the demolition as “violent and inhumane.”
The group described the clash as “callous, irresponsible, and utterly devoid of compassion for the poor.”
“The vendors of Bankerohan are not criminals. They are working men and women — mothers, fathers, and breadwinners — earning an honest living to feed their families,” the group stressed.
In a statement on April 30, KMU-SMR spokesperson Jeffry Uypala said, “Ang asta sa demolition team usa ka repleksyon sa pamaagi sa pagdumala sa syudad nga minangtas ug walay pagbati sa mga kabus (The actions of the demolition team reflect the way the city governs, showing a lack of compassion for the poor).”
The labor group called on the city government to immediately halt all demolition operations targeting market vendors without prior consultation, and instead relocate or provide them with alternative livelihood spaces.
“We demand accountability for the actions of the demolition team and just compensation for all those who suffered harm and displacement on April 29,” the group stressed.
The city government, however, slammed KMU-SMR’s statement as it “presents a one-sided view and overlooks the impact of illegal vending on law-abiding vendors.”
“Vendors who comply with the rules are equally entitled to protection,” the city government stressed.
It added that the road-clearing operations will continue “to uphold public order and ensure equitable conditions for all.”
