By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Legal Office (CLO) has warned the public against transacting with an alleged bogus travel and tours agency after discovering that its business permit appeared to be falsified.

CLO spokesperson Atty. Vanessa Encabo said the case came to light after a concerned individual approached the City Permits and Licensing Office on Wednesday, September 24, to verify the legitimacy of DMT Travel and Tours.

An ocular inspection at its declared business address revealed that the establishment did not exist.

Encabo added that the business permit presented carried multiple red flags, including a forged signature of former Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, an unreadable QR code, typographical errors, and an outdated Bacolod City government logo.

The CLO has cautioned residents not to engage with the said travel agency, which reportedly offers cheap travel packages to South Korea for the holiday season.

“We advise the public to always ask for proper documents such as a valid business permit or a certificate [from the Department of Trade and Industry] before making any transactions,” Encabo said./CJ, WDJ