THE Davao City Anti-Scam Unit (ASU) issued a cease and desist order against Rigen Marketing for its failure to secure a business permit to operate in the city.

The order was issued Friday morning, May 3, as per instruction from the Davao City Business Bureau, stating the establishment violated the provisions of Ordinance 0291-17, series of 2017, which amended the 2005 Revenue Code of the City of Davao otherwise known as the "2017 Revenue Code of the City of Davao."

ASU head Simplicio Sagarino said the unit was already aware of Rigen's operation prior to the issuance of the order.

"Before mi nag-issue sa cease and desist order, gistoryahan namo mga representatives kauban ang lawyer. Actually, before namo sila gi-meet, nagpadala na mi og sulat sa ila last April 29 (We already met with their representatives and lawyer prior to the issuance of the cease and desist order and we also sent a letter to them last April 29)," Sagarino told SunStar Davao in an interview.

He said Rigen cannot operate unless they would comply with the necessary requirements, including permits from the Business Bureau, Bureau of Internal Revenue and clearance from Securities and Exchange Commission.

However, Sagarino clarified the order was not scam-related, and no complaints reached their unit.

"Ila sulti man gud, wellness product ilang baligya. Dili daw financial scheme investment (We were told that they are selling wellness products and that they are not into financial investment)," he said.

Sagarino said Rigen promised to comply with the needed requirements next week.

ASU warned Dabawenyos to not accept members or make any transaction in the city, unless permits are secured. He urged the public to be vigilant in getting involved with financial schemes.

"Karon nga nagkadaghan na sila diria sa Davao, padayon atong pagmonitor ani nila (Since they are mushrooming in Davao, we are closely monitoring them)," he said, adding they should be cautious in investing their money and be alarmed when interest of their investment are unusually high.

SunStar Davao, however, has yet to receive a reply from Rigen Marketing regarding the matter.