7 face raps for ‘open parties’

MANILA, Philippines - Seven persons were charged yesterday for holding two “open parties” that reportedly offered sex, drugs and alcohol to minors in Mandaluyong City over the weekend.

Businessman Jerome Chang, 57; Ma. Teresa Villasanta, 37, cashier; Ryan Paul Rebote, bar manager; organizers Alfredo Supremo, 40, and Mark Eleaser Paz, 23; Romenus Martinez, 30, and his elder brother, Ricky, 37, both bouncers were charged with child abuse and for working and setting up an event without permits before the city prosecutor’s office.

The local police and the Department of Social Welfare and Development acted as complainants in the charges, which stemmed from a raid led by Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Bagong Ihaw restaurant and Buddha-kan bar on Saturday night.

At least 164 persons, including 80 minors, were rounded up. Of the 80 minors, 52 ranged in age from 11 to 15 years old, according to Senior Police Officer 3 Rizaldy Salvador.

Kissing time

Abalos said the organizers sold tickets to the open parties at P300 each, without coordinating with the city government and the local police.

He said majority of those who bought tickets are under 15 years old, and liquor was offered at the parties.

“In some instances the lights were turned off for 10 minutes and it signaled ‘kissing time,’” Abalos said, noting that the raiders also seized illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in the vicinity of the raided establishments.

The arrested minors were brought to the city hall, where Abalos turned them over to their parents after warning them they would face charges in court if they repeat the offense.