DOLE shuts down Jaguar KTV Bar

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment has ordered the permanent closure of a KTV bar in Barangay Kasambagan after it was found to have been used in human trafficking.

DOLE-7 director Exequiel Sarcauga signed the closure order against Jaguar KTV Bar last month following the raid in April wherein 146 women, including two minors, were rescued by the law enforcers. The women were allegedly victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The closure order was anchored on the alleged violations of the KTV Bar management of the Republic Act 9231 otherwise known as an Act of Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor, Affording Stronger Protection for the Working Child.

Sarcauga said the KTV Bar management failed to contest the closure order making it final and executory.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the closure of the bar which she described as a prostitution den victimizing minors is part of their intensified campaign against human trafficking.

Baldoz said it will also serve as warning to similar establishments employing and abusing women especially minors.

“Napatunayan ng DOLE na dalawang manggagawa ng Jaguar KTV Bar ay pawang menor de edad at sangkot din ang establisimyento sa prostitution at malalaswang palabas na parehong labag sa batas. Sana ay magsilbing leksyon ito sa mga nang-aabuso ng mga bata,” Baldoz said.

It was the International Justice Mission, a non-government organization, which filed a petition before DOLE seeking for the closure of the Jaguar KTV Bar. — (FREEMAN)