Lapu-Lapu closes six erring internet cafes

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City closed down six internet cafes this month for violating a city ordinance which prohibits such establishments from accommodating students during class hours.

In yesterday’s press conference, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said that of the six internet cafés four are located in barangay Punta Engaño, one in barangay Ibo, and the other one in barangay Basak.

Radaza said these internet cafes would remain closed for three months.

In 2006, the Lapu-Lapu City council approved an ordinance which regulates public internet cafes in the city following the arrest of an American national whose home was allegedly used to produce pornographic content for the Internet.

Allowing elementary or high school students into a cafe between 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays will merit the suspension or revocation of an Internet cafe’s business permit, in addition to fines.

The city ordinance said that for the first offense, a closure of operation will be imposed.

A second offense entails a six-month closure, while a third offense will mean the cancellation of the business permit. - THE FREEMAN