‘We don’t tolerate prostitution in Kalibo”

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

 

Kalibo mayor William Lachica (center) with Aklan prosecutor Ryan Cawaling (right) and Dr. Leilanie Barrios in a  press conference on human trafficking   PHOTO AKLAN FORUM

The municipal government of Kalibo will not tolerate establishments engaged in prostitution and human trafficking after a raid of a massage parlor here. 

In a press conference on Saturday morning, Kalibo mayor William Lachica said a joint task force for public safety is keeping a close watch on establishments on suspicion of soliciting for prostitution. 

The mayor also lauded the cooperative action of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Philippine National Police and the Aklan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the recent incident of human trafficking. 

Last August 15, six women including a minor from Negros Occidental were rescued in a police operation in a massage parlor in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Senior Police Officer 1 Babylyn Daylusan said the sexual services of the female entertainers were offered to undercover policemen for P1,500.

Operatives arrested the floor manager of Lucky 7 KTV and Massage Parlor along Toting Reyes Street. The arrested suspect is facing charges for qualified trafficking, the police said. 

Two minor male waiters were also rescued and turned over to the local social worker for counseling sessions. The owner of the massage parlor is also at large and will be facing charges for Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.

Kalibo social worker Erle Sahiol said many of the women rescued by the police were forced into prostitution due to poverty, lack of education or being influenced by their women friends.

Lachica stressed “the establishments are not merely operating as massage parlors but also as videoke bars employing women and young girls for prostitution.”

The mayor said they will revoke the business permits of establishments that tolerate prostitution.

  
Few months ago, two establishments in Kalibo were shut down by the municipal government after being identified by the task force offering sexual services for a fee. 

The joint task force is tasked to inspect and to regulate massage businesses with trafficked women engaging in prostitution. 

Still, at least 15 videoke bars and massage parlors in the capital town of Kalibo are under surveillance by the police.