Priest plays detective but finds self rapped

BASISTA, Pangasinan — This town’s parish priest, along with his sacristan, decided to play detective on the night of Feb. 3 in one of the videoke bars here which residents have accused of being fronts for prostitution.

Fr. Manuel Sayson, 36, just could not take Mayor Raul de Guzman’s assurances that they have not renewed the bars’ business licenses because of the complaints.

Sayson, known for his crusade against illegal gambling, prostitution and prohibited drugs, proved the mayor wrong but found himself facing a police complaint.

The owner of Sunlight videoke bar, where he went, accused him of "creating trouble" inside the establishment.

Posing as a customer, Sayson ordered a bottle of beer and asked for a GRO (guest relations officer).

The GRO, named Choy, the priest recalled, was scantily dressed.

Moments later, he said somebody summoned the girl and told her to change her attire because the man she was "entertaining" was none other but the parish priest. She did not return to his table.