CAGAYAN de Oro Vice Mayor Vicente Emano has called on appropriate agencies to investigate the presence of an alleged fraud ring at City Hall victimizing would-be business registrants.

The vice mayor said modus operandi of the syndicate involves the issuance of fake business permits, resulting to the loss of income for the local government.

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Emano learned the proliferation of bogus business licenses from several traders who fell victim to the scam.

"The source of the fake business permits obtained by several businessmen in the city should be investigated," the vice mayor said. "This practice is inimical to the coffers of the local government and to the public."

The scam was first tackled by the committee on trade and commerce of the City Council last Friday.

Councilor Ramon Tabor, the committee, chairman, instructed the division chiefs under the Finance department to find out if among the culprits involved are their own personnel.

However, City Administrator Grescilda Joson said the money lost to fake business permits can be recovered by requiring business establishments to present their original documents during renewal.

The same should apply, she said, to firms who use brokers or retainers to arrange their permits.

Tabor advised those who obtained bogus permits to coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation to apprehend the con artists responsible for the fraud. (DVAIII/Press Release)