The Philippine government has started clearing operations in Baclaran, Parañaque City since November 1 as part of the preparations for the incoming 49th ASEAN Summit on November 15 to 17. Street vendors have been affected by the operations, depriving them of opportunities to earn a living.

Vendors now struggle to sell their products due to the low number of buyers and the constant threat that authorities might confiscate their goods and arrest them.

One of the vendors, Marlyn, retorted in Filipino, “How can we sell if we are going to be arrested? How can we feed our family?”

Report and photos by Roselle Ochobillo/Bulatlat