42 rounded up in raid on ‘Recto University’

MANILA, Philippines — Around 40 persons were rounded up yesterday by the Manila Police District-Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMART) for operating a printing business without a license along Recto Avenue in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The accosted persons will be subject to verification if they are accomplices to the falsification of government receipts, diplomas and other documents that made the area known as “Recto University,” SMART chief Major Rosalino Ibay Jr. said.

Although the 10 establishments that were targets of the raid were no longer present during the operation, the 42 persons were accosted for violating city ordinances on operating without a permit.

A stamp pad bearing the seal of the Department of Education, pads of papers for printing of receipts, and a printing machine were among those confiscated from the errant business owners.

There are only 62 licensed printing business establishments along Recto, Ibay said.

Mayor Isko Moreno, who confronted the accosted persons, also issued a threat to the barangay chairperson and police officers for turning a blind eye to the falsification business.

“Even city hall has been victims of fake government receipts. That is beyond comprehension,” he said, adding that business establishments will now be required to specialize in a single product for printing.

Moreno also threatened police officers who receive grease money that they are next to be raided by his reaction team.

“Manila Police District, I know you are watching this. If you’d still like to be alive, stop this. The next to be raided could be the police district, the police station, or the precinct,” he warned.