By Mae Singuay

The Bacolod City government continues its campaign against fake business permits following a recent joint entrapment operation with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

A falsification of documents case was filed against Jaymoun Oliveros, an employee of a portrait gallery shop in the downtown area, after an operation drive was conducted on February 3.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he was surprised at the extent of the involvement in illegal activities.

“Gagwa na gid nga sindikato ang people behind this kind of illegal activities,” Benitez said.

“We will continue the investigation. We will continue our anti-corruption drive,” he added.

The culprits have already been identified, Benitez claimed.

There are more to be investigated, but he can’t give details as the investigation is ongoing.

“Ang nadakpan nagkanta na kag nanugid na gid kun sin-o ang mga involved. Ara gid sila kay daw ka glaring nga wala nahadlok sang ila nahimo,” Benitez said.

He said the city government had engaged with NBI after receiving several complaints about fake business permits.

A complainant reported that their business permit was fake.

When authorities scanned the quick response code on their business permit, it revealed that it was another establishment’s permit.

The City Treasurer’s Office said the establishment will have to pay their arrears amounting to P7,600, including P5,600 in penalties for them to renew their business permit./MS, WDJ