Baguio Night Market Suspended Due to Crowd Control Lapses

Baguio City's night market was temporarily closed on Wednesday after only one evening of operations due to lapses in crowd control, its public information office said.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong directed City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias and Market superintendent Fernando Ragma Jr. to find out what went wrong.

"Identify our weak points and vulnerabilities and discuss solutions. I want feedback as soon as possible," Magalong said.

The City of Pines reopened its borders to tourists after a months-long pause brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Resuming the operations of the night market was part of its efforts to restart the economy and help displaced vendors recover.

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Magalong said health and safety protocols must be strictly observed as businesses reopen to prevent a spike in infections.

"We must strike a balance between reopening the economy and safeguarding the health and safety of the people. This is our new normal direction," he said.

Only 45% or about 481 stalls of the original vending slots were allowed to operate on Tuesday to accommodate physical distancing measures.

Members of the Public Order and Safety Division and Baguio City Police Office monitored the area and reminded the public to maintain social distance, and properly wear face masks and face shields.