Manila policemen raid massage joint

Operatives of the Western Police District (WPD) apprehended 23 alleged commercial sex workers in a raid on a massage parlor in an economy hotel, used as a front for prostitution in Sta. Cruz, Manila Tuesday afternoon.

The police said four of the 23 alleged sex workers were caught having sex with customers in different rooms of Merchant Hotel located at the corner of Bernardo and Soler streets in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The policemen, however, failed to arrest the maintainer and operator. They also refused to reveal their identities.

Senior Superintendent Ernesto Ibay, chief of the WPD-Special Operations Group, said the raid was carried out on orders of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza after receiving reports that a massage parlor was being used as a front for prostitution.

A police asset was sent to arrange a deal with the alleged prostitutes, one of whom agreed to have sex with him for P1,000 on Tuesday afternoon.

Upon receiving a signal from the asset that he was already having sex with the prostitute, the raiding team barged into the room and caught the 26-year-old woman naked.

Police said three others were also caught in the act of having sex with their respective customers in different rooms.

Ibay said the other women were found inside a big room with a one-way mirror, commonly known as an "aquarium," where customers could view them from the outside.

Prostitution charges would be filed against the women.– Cecille Suerte Felipe