Yorme Isko warned to close Manila malls over sale of stolen cellphones

Vendors who are buying and selling stolen mobile phones will be kicked out within 72 hours as warned by Mayor Isko Moreno. Malls will face closure if these vendors are still doing business after the ultimatum.

Stolen phones not allowed to sell in malls anymore

Yorme Isko warned to close Manila malls over the sale of stolen cellphones

The mayor gave this ultimatum during his regular briefing, "I'm giving you 72 hours, Tutuban Mall, Isetann Recto. I will close the entire mall kapag patuloy ninyong kinakalinga, pinapayagan ang mga secondhand cellphone vendors na bumibili ng nakaw na cellphone galing sa nakaw at snatching."

There were five minors arrested at Tutuban Center for selling stolen units. 

Mayor Isko added that the authorities had seized approximately 150 stolen phones inside the said mall.Moreno presented the five minors arrested at Tutuban Center for selling stolen items. He added authorities were able to confiscate nearly 150 stolen phones in the mall.

The mayor said the order does not only cover Tutuban Center and Isetann Recto, but all the malls in the city. He also made an announcement to SM, Robinsons, Harrison Plaza, Tutuban, Isetann Recto, 168, and other malls to have an inspection today regarding the lessees who are selling second-hand phones.

Those who are doing these kind of activities are violating the Anti-Fencing Law (Presidential Decree No. 1612. Aside from that, he said he will also file charges against mall management found violating the law.

Under PD 1612, I will file cases against the vendor and the mall. All officers of that corporation. Tigilan ninyo ang pagtitinda ng nakaw na bagay. At huwag niyong sabihin sa amin na hindi niyo alam, he stated. He added that buyers and mall owners should demand proof that the sellers own the items. Without proof, they should assume that these products are stolen.

See also: Yorme Isko bans sale of "GSM" secondhand phones in Manila

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Source: CNN