Cops file raps vs. 27 women in bar raid

Charges of vagrancy and prostitution were filed yesterday by the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch against the 27 women who were arrested late Wednesday night at Papillon Bar along General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City.

Of the 26 guest relations officers arrested, only two were charged for prostitution while the rest were only charged with vagrancy.

The manager of the bar was also charged for violation of R.A. 9208 otherwise known as Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

CIIB chief Paul Labra II said those charged with vagrancy were freed after posting bail set at P200 each, while the two -who were allegedly caught having sex with undercover policemen during the raid- were made to pay a bail of P500 each for prostitution.

But the manager, Jade Garcia, of barangay Luz, Cebu City, was not released since her case is non-bailable. The proprietors of the bar, who are still at large, were also charged for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

The said bar was raided late Wednesday night by the combined elements of the CIIB, the Vice Control Section, and the Drug Enforcement Unit led by Insp. George Ylanan, after getting reports that the said establishment was being used as a front for prostitution.

Acting city police chief Supt Melvin Gayotin recommended the closure of the bar to City Hall the other day. - Norvie S. Misa, correspondent