Mandaue City asked to create task force

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is planning to request the city government to issue an executive order (EO) for the creation of a task force that will conduct regular inspections of all establishments in the city.

- Kristin de Dios/JG

MCPO Chief Cirilo Acosta Jr. said that this initiative aims to ensure that all establishments are properly monitored in light of recent discoveries involving scam hubs, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hubs, and other illegal activities, particularly within Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies.

The proposed task force will be composed of representatives from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the city's Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO).

"I believe this will be our next move," said Acosta, in a press conference yesterday.

Acosta said that the EO will help them conduct regular inspections of establishments to ensure that no illicit activities, particularly online scams, are taking place.

This move by the city police director came after a joint inspection conducted last Monday afternoon, May 26, on AS Fortuna St., in Mandaue City, together with the BPLO and other enforcement units, targeting establishments with information technology (IT) operations or hubs.

"This is to ensure nga walay same activity nga nahitabo just like the other cities," said Acosta.

During their inspection, Acosta said there were no indications of illegal or illicit activities taking place in the area.