CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno said he is open to the recommendation of the Regulatory and Complaint Board (RCB) to close a known hotel here, where seven minors suspected of servicing two Chinese nationals were rescued over the weekend.
Moreno, however, said they should be given due process and that the proposal should be handled with fairness.
“We will consider that, but certainly that will be looked into, with fairness and evidence that would warrant the closure, we will order the closure if it is needed,” Moreno said.
The mayor also warned hotels and similar establishments to exercise diligence and caution especially in accepting minors.
Moreno said the city government cannot allow these establishments to be instruments of violating laws.
He also urged the social welfare department to keep its eyes and ears open all the time to ensure that minors and other vulnerable sectors are protected.
City Social Welfare and Development head Teodoro Sabuga-a Jr said they are set to hold a dialogue with all of the hotel owners here.
Sabuga-a said all hotels should be mandated to get accreditation and make sure that they are following standards and not violating it. (PJ Orias)