2 Manila nightclubs raided; 54 arrested

In response to the order of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to intensify the campaign against lewd and indecent shows, the city’s Task Force Anti-Littering and WPD operatives headed by Police Chief Inspector Cecilio Reyes conducted an operation at the Wild Flower Disco theater and Phenomenal Disco Restaurant, both located on Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo.

The operation was conducted at 11 p.m. Friday in coordination with Romeo Lorenzo, chief inspector of the Bureau of Permits of the Manila City Hall, and resulted in the arrest of 54 persons with ages ranging from 17 to 27 years old.

Eighteen suspected prostitutes from Wild Flower Disco Theater and 23 from Phenomenal Disco Restaurant were apprehended for violation of Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code.

Twelve persons were also apprehended for violation of City Ordinance No. 601-B or working without a Mayor’s permit.

One Lito Bulaclac, suspected to be a pimp, was also apprehended for posing as a police officer with a fake badge and ID. He will be charged with violating Section 887 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Manila or Interfering in Police Function, Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code or Usurpation of Authority and City Ordinance No. 601-B.

Props used for lewd shows were also confiscated from both establishments and placed in the custody and safekeeping of Reyes for presentation in court.

Atienza also ordered the raid and permanent closure of Discovery KTV on Magsaysay Boulevard in Sta. Mesa, where 62 suspected prostitutes were nabbed last year. – Mike Frialde