Law Enforcement Announces Establishment of Joint Team to Combat Unlawful Enterprises Within Mandaue Region
In Mandaue City, authorities are calling for the formation of a multi-agency task force to regularly inspect business establishments, aiming to deter and detect illicit activities, particularly those potentially concealed behind legitimate operations.
The proposed task force, led by the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), would consist of officers from various agencies, including the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies. The task force's primary objective would be to assess compliance with business permits, safety regulations, and operational legitimacy, with a focus on hard-to-reach locations such as secure subdivisions and gated offices.
MCPO Director Cirilo Acosta announced the initiative during a press conference held on May 27, 2025. He stated that the initiative was driven by the growing need to monitor Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms, Information Technology (IT) hubs, and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo)-related establishments operating in the city. Acosta also highlighted the need to prevent similar activities to the alleged scam operation that occurred in Cebu City.
According to BPLO head August Lizer Malate, some of these companies may appear legitimate from the outside, but without internally verifying operations, it can be challenging to detect suspicious activities. Malate explained that the task force would enable legal access and inspection even for establishments within gated communities where entry is often restricted.
The initiative would strengthen the city's enforcement capabilities through an executive order, allowing the task force to define the scope of its operations within the boundaries of the law. Malate emphasized the importance of respecting constitutional protections, such as not conducting random inspections or making arrests without probable cause.
With approximately 20,000 registered businesses in Mandaue City, the BPLO conducts regular ocular inspections to ensure compliance with local ordinances and permit requirements. The creation of the task force would impact the overall regulatory environment by providing a more proactive approach to ensuring businesses operate legally and contribute positively to the city's economy and integrity.
The proposed task force, under the leadership of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), aims to enhance government regulation in Mandaue City, as it will consist of officers from various agencies, including the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO). This task force, with a focus on hard-to-reach locations, will help detect illicit activities within Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms, Information Technology (IT) hubs, and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo)-related establishments, as stated by MCPO Director Cirilo Acosta during a press conference. The task force's proactive approach will help ensure policy-and-legislation compliance and strengthen general-news reporting through reduced crime-and-justice incidents, particularly in the light of the alleged scam operation in Cebu City.
