Zamboanga City – April 24, 2025 — At least 12 business establishments were found operating without the necessary permits, while 164 employees were working without occupational documents during a city-wide inspection conducted by Task Force Buenas across barangays within a seven-kilometer radius of the city center.
The task force inspected a total of 28 nightspots, uncovering various violations. Of these establishments, 10 were operating without a business permit, while two others had expired or unrenewed licenses. Alarmingly, none of the 164 employees working in these businesses had the required occupational permits.
Benjie Barredo, chief of the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), also reported deficiencies in surveillance compliance. Seven of the establishments had no closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems installed, and two were found to have non-functional video surveillance equipment.
Notices of violation were issued to the erring operators. “They have been warned that continuous non-compliance will lead to sanctions and penalties,” Barredo said.
The April 24 operation saw Task Force Buenas split into two teams. Team 1 inspected establishments in the central business district, San Jose Cawa-cawa, Baliwasan, San Jose Gusu, San Roque, Cabatangan, and Sta. Maria. Team 2 covered Divisoria, Putik, Guiwan, and Tetuan.
Reactivated in 2023, Task Force Buenas is mandated to regularly inspect nightspots, hotels, motels, lodging houses, saunas, and similar businesses to ensure compliance with city regulations, especially those related to sanitation, health, and safety. The task force is composed of representatives from the City Administrator’s Office, BPLO, City Engineer’s Office, City Health Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Zamboanga City Police Office, among others.
The city government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that business operations adhere to legal and safety standards to protect public welfare.