PROSTITUTION UNDER WATCH Kalibo keeps eye on suspicious establishments

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan — Authorities here are keeping a close watch on establishments following the recent raid of a massage parlor here.

A “task force for public safety” is monitoring businesses that may serve as fronts for prostitution, according to Mayor William Lachica.

At least 15 videoke bars and massage parlors in this capital town are under police surveillance.

In a press conference Saturday, Lachica said the municipal government will revoke the business permits of establishments offering sexual services.

Five women and a female minor from Negros Occidental were taken to police custody after the raid of Lucky 7 KTV and Massage Parlor Aug. 15 on Toting Reyes Street.

Undercover policemen were offered sexual services from female entertainers for P1,500, said Senior Police Officer 1 Babylyn Daylusan.

The floor manager was arrested and is facing qualified trafficking charges, police said.

Two minor male waiters were rescued and turned over to the local social welfare office.

The establishment’s owner, on the other hand, remains at large. He is facing human trafficking charges, too.

Most of the rescued females were forced into prostitution due to poverty, lack of education or influence from friends, said municipal social worker Erle Sahiol.

Lachica said the municipal government will not tolerate establishments “employing women and young girls for prostitution.”

A few months ago, two establishments here were shut down after it was discovered that they were offering sexual services for a fee. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)