BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Four days after Valentine’s Day, the KTV bars and nightclubs scenes finally settled into a more relaxed mood, the city’s Task Force on Moral and Values Formation observed.
Compared to the days leading to Valentine’s Day, the taskforce observed that fewer people were less inclined to visit popular restaurants or nightclubs in the city after the hype of the holiday had passed.
The taskforce personnel conducted inspections and monitoring of disco bars, restaurants and nightclubs over the weekend in the districts of Jaro and Mandurriao and noticed a more peaceful and subdued atmosphere.
“There were relatively fewer people who went out to hang out compared to days leading to Valentine’s Day. We have not monitored any untoward incidents. The atmosphere in the nightclubs and KTV disco bars was generally peaceful,” the taskforce, headed by Nestor Canong, said.
The random inspections of the popular hangout places in the city were carried out on Feb. 17 and 18 from 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
The taskforce said police personnel from the Mandurriao police station were also deployed in the areas to help maintain peace and order.
On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, Canong reiterated his call on compliance with City Ordinance No. 2015-447, which specifically prohibits establishments from accepting minors to shield youngsters from sexual predators.
Canong said the taskforce enforcement team conducted random inspections and monitoring of several KTV bars, disco pubs, dance halls, nightclubs, and entertainment houses in the Jaro and Mandurriao districts before Feb. 14.
They also visited about 10 garages and offices of taxi operators and discussed with them the city’s existing ordinances for the protection of minors.
Canong said they also sought the cooperation of the taxi drivers to remain vigilant or refuse to convey minor passengers who want to go to prohibited places such as motels, not just during Valentine’s Day.
The taskforce also met with the owners and staff of various inns and motels in the Arevalo district and discussed with them the programs of the taskforce.
The city ordinance also aims to protect minors from harm, prevent exploitation, and ensure their safety and well-being.
Canong said motel owners and operators in the city have been oriented towards these laws to avoid legal repercussions and ensure compliance.
Under the ordinance, individuals under the age of 18 are not permitted to stay in motels without adult supervision. The rule also aims to prevent minors from being exposed to potentially dangerous or inappropriate situations, such as exploitation, trafficking, or substance abuse.
Violators of the ordinance may be fined P5,000, imprisonment of one year, and possible cancellation of business permits.
Approved in November 2015, the ordinance specified suspicious circumstances that should be a cause for alarm and must be prohibited./PN
