GROs sans health permits rounded up

Police rounded up at least 28 Guest Relation Officers (GROs) from different nightclubs for allegedly working without health permits in Valenzuela City Wednesday night.

The women are now detained at the city police detention cell after they were charged with violation of PD 829 or working without health certificates before the Prosecutor’s Office.

Valenzuela Police Chief, Superintendent Nemesio Neron, said that this arrest will prove to city residents that despite being undermanned, police can still "take care of business."

"It is unfortunate for these girls to be here, but we are always on the look-out for opportunists who take advantage of the low visibility of police in the area," Neron said.

Elements of the Follow-up Unit and Special Weapons and Tactics raided 10 night clubs at about 11 p.m. and arrested the women without the required health permits.

To avoid any reports of harassment, Neron said arresting policemen were accompanied by two health officers to assist them in the operation.

At the same time, Neron added that the city police are "having some problems" patrolling the city because of the lack of policemen. – Matthew Estabillo