By Erma Edera
Manila Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso led the crackdown against manufacturers of fake documents and licenses on Recto Avenue in Quiapo, Manila, or the so-called “Recto University” Wednesday.
Domagoso was accompanied by joint operatives led by Maj. Jhun Ibay, chief of the Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMART), during the operation that began at around 11 a.m. with the Manila City Hall as jump-off point.
(Manila PIO / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to Moreno, the operation, dubbed “Operation Baliko”, will run after people who were involved in illegal activities, such as producing counterfeit documents and licenses in Manila.
“Panahon na para maisawata ang Recto University. We know you, we will find you, and when we do, you will not like it. Mag-impake na po kayo. Magsitigil na po kayo. Tama na po ang kabalastugan niyo sa taumbayan,” Domagoso said.
During the operation, Ibay said three motorcycles with questionable documents were impounded, while 42 persons were accosted and are now under verification.
At least 52 stalls were found to be operating by virtue of city-issued permits as “printing” companies only.
Ibay said Moreno had ordered a verification to check if they operate within the confines of their permits.
Six machines were also seized by the raiding team to check what they are really for, with an order from Moreno to have them destroyed if found being used for faking documents.
On Monday, the mayor issued a stern warning against stall owners along Recto Avenue to stop creating and printing fake documents and licenses.
Domagoso was irked after finding out that even official local government receipts are being illegally produced in the area.