6 male dancers, manager netted in gay bar raid

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  — Police arrested six "macho dancers" and their manager in an early morning raid of a gay bar in this city Saturday.

Bacolod City Police OIC, Sr. Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, said undercover policemen collared Michael Jan Ganac, 25, of Davao City, and Romeo Lugay, 27, for allegedly showing their genitals while performing on stage at the gay bar.

Others who were arrested were dancers Robert Gaudencio, 18, of Mandurriao, Iloilo, Jayson Lauro, 24, and Aljin Lauro, 25, both of Agusan del Norte, Ray Gabriel Toncayao, 19, of Tondo, Manila, and bar owner Licardo Abella, 24.

Dela Paz said an intelligence report stated the bar has been showing indecent or lewd shows, prompting a joint team, led by Supt. Alex Dimaculangan of the BCPO Public Safety Management Company, Insp. Jovy Cabcaban of the Womens and Children's Desk and Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche to conduct the raid.

Dela Paz added that the bar's permit was only for a beer house and not an entertainment club. Abella however denied his dancers performed lewd acts and engaged in prostitution as reported by the police.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he will ask the City Legal Office to investigate the matter and, if evidence warrants, would recommend for the bar's immediate closure.