Second hand cellphones for sale seized at Manila mall

A special team from the Manila City Hall swooped down on a mall in the city on Tuesday, confiscating used mobile phones for sale.

The operation took place after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno banned the sale of used cellphones in a bid to bring down the number of phone thefts in the city.

According to Lei Alviz's report on "24 Oras", some stall owners lamented the loss of income from used cell phones business.

"Nawalan na kami ng hanapbuhay po. Magtiis na lang kami sa mga accessories pag ganito na po," Jelly Bolongan, a stall owner at Isetann Mall.

The city authorities confiscated used cell phones after sellers failed to show proof that the units were not stolen.

Several stall owners also did not have business permits.

The city hall team said it had the authority to confiscate the products under the Anti-Fencing Law, which states that the a seller must have a permit or a clearance to sell a second hand product.

Special Mayor's Reaction Team Investigation Chief Police Captain Edward Samonte said that the confiscated items will undergo technical examination for verification.

"Once naman makapagpakita sila ng proof na ito ay ligal nilang inacquire sa may-ari ay agad nating irerelease sa kanila," Samonte said.

The management of Isetann Mall had expressed its support for Moreno's initiative against the trade of stolen phones.

"Mall Management reiterates its full and unwavering support to the City Government. We have written the City Government today that in keeping with the instructions of the Honorable City Mayor, the sale of second-hand phones will no longer be allowed here at the Isetann Cinerama effective immediately," the management said in a statement. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News