45 commercial sex workers nabbed in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — A total of 45 commercial sex workers (CSWs) arrested on separate police operations last week in this city were found to be positive of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), police said.

Bacolod City Police Office director Sr. Supt. Ricardo de la Paz said that of the 26 freelance CSWs arrested during a saturation drive in different areas in this city Thursday night, 23 were found to be positive of STDs after they were examined by the City Health Office.

De la Paz had ordered for a citywide campaign against CSWs after 22 of those arrested by Station 1 policemen from July 10 to 13 had tested positive for STD.

BCPO deputy director, Supt. Santiago Rapiz who heads the Task Force Night Watch, said the women were apprehended at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex, public plaza, downtown area, reclamation area, and along Lacson St., all in the city.

He said the women are now detained at Police Stations 2 and 8 and will be charged for violation of Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code, or the law against vagrancy and prostitution, which could lead to imprisonment and/or fines from P200 to P2,000.

The Task Force Night Watch and the BCPO Women and Children's Complaints Desk, led by Chief Insp. Jovy Cabcaban, inspected several entertainment bars and videoke houses in the city to check if their female employees have "pink cards." — Danny B. Dangcalan

The "pink card" is proof that these women visit their doctors regularly for STD check-up. (FREEMAN)