Manila resto-bar raided for staging nude shows; 18 arrested

MANILA—An anonymous text message to Manila police stating that live nude shows were taking place inside a resto-bar in Sta. Cruz led to the arrest of a dozen female dancers and six members of the staff of an establishment called Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) early Thursday, police said.

The message, which complained about live nude shows and alleged prostitution inside Bahay Kubo, a restaurant-bar on Recto Avenue, was sent to an officer of the Manila Police District’s Plaza Miranda precinct on Dec. 10, said precinct commander Insp. Rommel Anicete, who immediately went to the establishment to verify the report.

There, Anicete saw female dancers performing naked onstage. After gathering photographic evidence, he and other officers raided the establishment and arrested the dancers and staff. None of the employees had work permits and valid IDs.

Anicete said he also did not see any business permit posted on walls of the place. He said the establishment occupied the building’s mezzanine and second floor, and was “hidden” by the facade of a separate videoke resto-bar, since customers had to pass through the videoke place first to get to Bahay Kubo’s entrance.

The dancers will be charged with violating Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows), as well as working without necessary permits together with the other employees. Police are also investigating the identity of Bahay Kubo’s owner, who Anicete said was identified by those arrested only as “Tatay.”

Anicete said Supt. Aldrine Gran, chief of MPD’s Central Market Sta. Cruz Police Station, is looking into the proper procedure for the permanent closure of Bahay Kubo.