Tinga orders closure of erring videoke bars

A total of 24 videoke bars in Taguig City were ordered closed after local officials found out that these had been operating without proper permits

Taguig police chief Superintendent Alfred Sotto Corpus led simultaneous operations against erring establishments after Mayor Freddie Tiñga issued the closure order.

The 24 videoke bars were the subjects of complaints by residents along the East Service Road, Champaca street and FTI in Barangay Western Bicutan, and others in Barangay Maharlika.

"This operation is part of the anti-crime prevention program of the city government and police as we intensify our peace and order campaign," Corpus said.

He added that trends show that crimes against persons like homicide and physical injuries usually happen while people are engaged in drinking sprees or are intoxicated. Most often these occur in beerhouses and other nightspots.

Tiñga said the local government checked the status of nightspots in Taguig and most have been found to be operating without the required permits.

After the raid, signages were placed in conspicuous places outside the closed establishments informing the public that the said videoke bar is closed for violation of Republic Act 7160 and the Taguig Revenue Code.

Upon serving the closure order, the operatives also conducted "Oplan Bakal" and frisked customers for firearms.

Last week, Corpus led a "Night Patrol" around Taguig’s main roads and rounded up 79 people for drinking on the street. – Rhodina Villanueva