ILOILO City – A bar at the Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district may be meted with stiffer penalties after it was confirmed that the scantily-clothed young woman it allowed inside – and failed to stop dancing provocatively – was a minor.
Those spreading the girl’s racy video and photos face sanctions, too.
MO2 ICE’s management would be asked to explain why the 17-year-old girl was let in, according to Atty. David Garcia of the City Legal Office.
“Basi medyo mag-heavier ang sanction sa ila,” said Garcia during a press conference yesterday.
It could be a longer suspension of the bar’s operation, or revocation of the business permit.
The establishment may have possibly violated the city government’s curfew and liquor ban for minors, Garcia said,
A show cause order would be issued today.
The city government already imposed a three-day closure order on MO2 ICE beginning Aug. 8 for violating the city ordinance prohibiting “indecent” and “obscene” shows.
Stop sharing photos, videos – CSWDO
The girl is now in the custody of the City Social Welfare and Development Office – Crisis Intervention Unit (CSWDO-CIU) undergoing a “helping process.”
CSWDO head Teresa Gelogo appealed to the public to stop spreading the girl’s photos and videos.
While she thanked the media for having a big part in reaching out (not rescued) to the girl and turning her over to the CSWDO, Gelogo asked for the deletion of all related postings, especially the girl’s photos and videos, and refrain from tackling the incident already.
“Kami nagapasalamat gid sa inyo nga bulig nga ang bata mabalik kag mabutang sa isa ka ahensya kon sa diin mabuligan naton sang insakto ang iya mga kinahanglanon,” said Gelogo.
With all the interventions undertaken, Gelogo said the goal is “dapat ma-restore naton ang worth kag dignity sang sini nga bata kag ma-rebuild ang iya social functioning.”
As part of the helping process, the girl turned over her mobile phone to the CIU.
Moreover, a coordination with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Philippine National Police will be made for the containment of social media postings.
“If there is an expectation of privacy, indi mo pwede ma-share. Ikaw nga nag-share may liability ka. Since she is a minor, indi pag i-spread. Tan-awon ta pa na kon ano ang mga liability sang mga nag-share,” Garcia added.
‘HELPING PROCESS’
Elizabeth Hechanova, focal person of the Local Council for the Protection of Children, said the “helping process” started on Wednesday.
“We cannot say really until when. For what reason? Because first and foremost naka-rely sa iya progress although she committed to cooperate. Everyday we will assess the progress of the child as well as the parents and the preparation of the community where she will be eventually integrated,”said Hechanova.
After a case conference or assessment, the CSWDO and other concerned agencies’ main recommendation is to have her transferred temporarily to a new environment, which means staying away from their house.
Hechanova explained that because of her social media posts, her security is at risk; predators many take interest in her.
“We have to transfer environment nga ma-safeguard ang iya safety and security. She will be provided with her needs,” she added.
The interventions will be holistic – medical, physical and psychological, among others.
“Additionally, we are tasked to dig up the underlying problems, mga workable recommendations in consultation and cooperation sang family kag sang bata mismo. We would like to give you the assurance nga in good hands siya and the city government nagatutok paagi sa nagkalain-lain nga offices,” said Hechanova./PN
