Moreno warns vendors of extortionists posing as gov’t ‘organizers’

Newly-elected Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso. INQUIRER.net/Consuelo Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Newly-elected Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso urged vendors in Manila to be vigilant for extortionists posing as “organizers” of the Manila city government.

“Yung mga sinasabi sabi nila [extortionists,] sir, we were organized. Kaya yung salitang organizers sa vendor hindi na bago. May organizers sila tapos yan kokopohin tapos iimbuduhin,” Moreno said in a press briefing about two suspects arrested for extortion preying on Manila vendors on Tuesday.

Moreno also warned vendors on purchasing “blue and white” tents from fake organizers of Manila government.

“Sa mga vendor, huwag kayo bibili ng tent na kulay blue at white na galing sa organizer na ang dating ay city government. Wala ho, walang ganun. Kung ano yung nandyan sa inyo kung ano ang pinayagan sa inyo, mananatili ‘yan,” Moreno said.

Moreno also reiterated his warning against barangay officials involved in bribery and extortion of vendors in the streets of Manila.

“Chairman.. tigilan mo yung [pangongotong] sinabi ko sayo. Huwag kayo nagtitinda ng tent na blue, at saka puti dahil yun ang kulay ko,” Moreno said.

“Sinasabihan kita chairman, huwag niyo intayin na pangalanan kita tumigil na kayo sa pangkokotong ng vendors sa Sto. Cristo. Sa Ilaya Street sa Tabora Street. Mga taga-Maynila yan,” he added.

Just two weeks before his oath-taking, Moreno requested Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., to buy handcuffs for barangay officials who will be caught engaging in extortion activities. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)

READ: Isko Moreno warns barangay officials against bribery, extortion