BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Three police officers were relieved from their posts while an entertainment bar was ordered closed in connection with a complaint filed against them by a US Navy serviceman.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier ordered an investigation into the complaint of US Navy officer Michelot Joseph, who said he was prevented from entering the bar due to his color and nationality.
Joseph expressed dismay over how the three officers of the Baguio City police Station 3 handled his complaint against the bar management.
City permits and licensing officer Allan Abayao said that the establishment was ordered to stop operating as a bar on Oct. 24.
Abayao said the bar was ordered to refrain from dispensing liquor and comply with its business permit to operate only as a restaurant.
The bar operators had apologized to Joseph, who accepted it and thanked Magalong and the city police for addressing his complaint.
In a memorandum, Col. Francis Bulwayan, acting city police chief, directed his men to respect diversity as the city is a premier tourist destination.