Tuesday, August 10, 2004 Raid nets 38 sex workers By Jess E. Alcoran
THE City Health Office (CHO), led by City Health Officer Rodelin Agbulos, conducted an unannounced raid through 'Task Force Buenas' in several videoke bars operating near the Guiwan Bus Terminal.
The raid resulted in the apprehension of 38 "entertainers" who were found without the necessary health certificates or "pink cards" from the CHO.
Dr. Agbulos said that out of the 38 sex workers who were apprehended, two were minors. At least, 36 of them were not from Zamboanga City.
Thirteen of the 38 apprehended sex workers were discovered to be positive of sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
The raid came after the recent discovery by the City Health Office about the existence of HIV/AIDS patients in Zamboanga City.
Dr. Agbulos said the unannounced raid was conducted last Friday by his office, and joined by City Mayor Lobregat who personally witnessed the conduct of the raid.
Dr. Agbulos said the apprehended illegal sex workers voluntarily submitted themselves for AIDS test.
The AIDS test is usually being conducted with the permission of the subject person as a matter of procedure. All of the apprehended sex workers were allowed to go home after counseling.
Mayor Lobregat who joined the raid said that "it's not only a matter of rounding up the sex workers." It also shows that the city government cares for these people. If they are sick then we treat them."
However, Mayor Lobregat warned that the next time a similar raid is conducted and the sex workers still do not possess the pink card, then penalties will be imposed.
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