Makati BPLO officers closed a KTV bar in a hotel in Barangay Poblacion Makati for operating without the necessary permits and for violation of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. /Makati PIO
MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City local government on Saturday padlocked a KTV bar inside a hotel in Barangay Poblacion after police officers arrested the owners for allegedly using the establishment as a prostitution den.
Makati City Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) served the closure order after it was found that the owners of the establishment have violated the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. BPLO added that the KTV bar was closed for operating without the necessary mayor’s permit.
On Friday morning, Makati police apprehended bar owners Shih Fang Chen, 65, and Po Yi Chen, 55. Fourteen Chinese customers, who are working at a Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) company were also arrested.
Around 11 women were also rescued during the police operation and are now under the custody of the Makati City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Earlier, the Makati government indefinitely stopped the issuance of business licenses and permits to Pogos due to increasing crime in the city including prostitution.