A group of vendors clashed with riot police during the demolition of stalls in a public market in the Philippines.

The stall owners, fearing slashed incomes amid rising prices due to inflation, stood their ground at the Carbon Market in Cebu City on July 18 as local authorities gave marching orders to proceed with clearing operations.

Tensions came to a head as police reinforcements arrived and reportedly forced protesters out of the way.

At least 80 stalls were torn down to make way for a new market, while the vendors were temporarily relocated to an interim market near the area.

Wendell Cenas, Cebu City Market Administrator, said: 'These vendors are supposedly transferred just very near where their stalls used to be, just a few blocks away, but they don't want to.

'This development in Carbon is for everyone. All of it would look clean right after the demolition.'

However, the occupants, said the privatization of the market may reduce their revenue, citing increased stall rental fees and smaller spaces.

Vendor Arlynn Subing-subing, 51, said: 'They should have pity on us. There are 8,000 of us here who have needs and we only make our living from Carbon Market.'