Caloocan bars raided

Caloocan Police arrested on Thursday some 60 bar girls in raids on five videoke bars long suspected of being prostitution fronts in the city’s red light district.

But no owners, maintainers nor operators were arrested, casting doubts on the "seriousness" of the police raiders in eradicating prostitution in the city.

Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo, Police Station investigation and Intelligence Division (SIID), said the raiding team led by Inspector Marcelo Mariano struck at around 12:30 a.m. hitting the Welcome Palace, Jack and Jill, Alexis, Jackson and King Ship Videoke Bar along 2nd, 3rd and 4th Avenues in Caloocan City.

Police said the raids were conducted following complaints received from civic organizations. The bar workers, whose ages range from 18 to 40, were found to have no health permit. Residents in the area believe that in two or three days the sleazy bars would again be back in operation with a vengeance.

"Wag kang mag-alala. Palabas lang ng pulis yan. Babalik din uli yan (Don’t worry. It’s all for show. They (bars) will be back for sure)," a pimp, mistaking this reporter for a client, said. – Jerry Botial