Friday, January 18, 2008 Councilor: Angeles 'not source of Aids' By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES City Councilor Maricel Morales has denied reports that the city is the source of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Aids) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the country.
Morales was reacting to a news report she described as "misleading and derogatory to the image of the highly urbanized city.
A banner story in this paper's January 15, 2008 issue titled "Angeles police launch 'no bar fine' campaign" stated that the Angeles City Police Office has launched a campaign to stop alleged prostitution in the entertainment establishments here, which is blamed for making the city "the source" of Aids and HIV in the country.
Morales said over the past five years, the City Aids Council has recorded only 11 Aids and HIV cases in the city.
"Misleading reports may tarnish the good image of our beloved city," she said.
According to her, the city health officers are in a close watch on the 11 patients.
Workers in the entertainment districts undergo regular medical check up to ensure their health, she added.
The councilor stressed that the Angeles police should correct their previous statements, which she described as "damaging to the image of Angelenos."
She also clarified that contrary to reports made by the city police, there are no "bar fines" in nightclubs here.
She even lauded the local police for its recent campaign to rid the entertainment area of minors.
"We fully support the move of the city police to save the minors from prostitution and other illegal activities," Morales added.
