Some Mandaue pubs ‘allowing’ minors in

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue City Police Office is asking city officials to come up with a measure penalizing entertainment establishments in the city which accommodate minors.

Investigation and Detective Management Branch head Chief Inspector Michael Anthony Bastes said he learned that minors are allowed to enter bars and engage in drinking sprees after IDMB operatives and motorcycle volunteers conducted nightly patrols in the city.

Some establishments are reportedly posting signages saying they do not allow minors inside; however, this is not strictly followed, especially in KTV bars, Bastes said.

Last week, Tabok Barangay Captain Dario Tariman sought help from the police after KTV bars inside the vicinity of Insular Mall were reportedly packed with minors. Some were even found allegedly loitering and gambling inside.

Bastes said they were also informed that some of these minors were even involved in trouble alarms as they belong to rival fraternities or gangs.

"Atong nahibaw-an nga kana diayng Insular Mall mahimo na diay nang tapukanan ron sa mga batan-on gikan sa Danao, Consolacion ug hasta taga Cebu City," Bastes said.

The police official said they will be bringing the matter to the attention of MCPO director Senior Superintendent Mariano Natu-el so he can also, in turn, raise the concern to city officials during their meeting.

"Wala man sa'y mahimo ang police kon mobadlong aning mga minors nga mag-inom. Ang city government gyud unta ang mobadlong aning mga imnanan nga mobaligya ngadto sa mga minors," Bastes said.

Bastes added that he hopes that there will be a city ordinance which will ban minors from entering KTV bars so these business establishments can be held accountable.