40 people arrested in ‘Recto University’ raid

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities raided the so-called Recto University in Manila on Wednesday and arrested around 40 people for operating their businesses without the necessary permits.

Members of the Manila Police District’ Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (Smart) and local government officials went to the side streets beside Recto Avenue near Quezon Boulevard in Santa Cruz to search for establishments that made fake documents such as ID cards, diplomas and official receipts.

According to Smart chief Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr., their initial targets were 10 people involved in the printing of falsified documents.

However, the joint team failed to find their targets.

Instead, what they discovered were people operating businesses without the proper permits from City Hall.

Seized during the raid were receipts, printers, dry seals and computers.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso earlier warned stall owners on Recto Avenue to stop manufacturing fake documents, including receipts supposedly issued by the city government.

He said after the raid that should he get another complaint about falsified papers being made in the area, he would include the barangay chair in the case to be filed in court.

Domagoso also warned policemen from taking bribes from the owners of these establishments, saying he would raid their police stations.