THE City Government of Bacolod has intensified its campaign against commercial sex workers (CSWs) to stop them from loitering around the city.
This, after City Administrator Atty. John Orola received complaints from some business establishment owners that CSWs are staying within their premises or building.
Orola said on Friday, July 6, that the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) and the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) should intensify their campaign against the CSWs to stop them from loitering in various areas.
DSSD head Pacita Tero said they already started their operation last week to warn the CSWs. They were joined by personnel of WCPD, City Health Office (CHO) and Permits and Licensing Division.
On Thursday night, they inspected the areas of Barangays Singcang-Airport, Mansilingan and along Bredco Port, but there were no CSWs in the said areas, Tero said.
“Maybe, they were informed that we will inspect the said areas,” she added.
Tero noted that most of the CSWs are staying in bars and videoke houses, especially along Goldenfield Commercial Complex and public plaza to wait for customers.
“We are studying what we could give or offer to them to stop this kind of work or business,” Tero said.
She said they are also monitoring the presence of pimps for possible exploitation of women and minors.
“It’s our job to rescue and protect the minors while those who are in legal age will be secured by the city’s police, and it’s part of our operation to close the business establishments that do not have business permits,” she added.
In previous years, several CSWs in Bacolod were arrested and examined for sexually transmitted diseases (STD).
The CSWs can be charged for violation of Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code, or the law against vagrancy and prostitution, which could lead to imprisonment and/or fine of P200 to P2,000.