More cops to be deployed in 'nightlife area'
...as resto, bar owners reminded not to sell liquors to minors
Additional police personnel will be deployed in Smallville complex in the wake of reports that illegal drugs transactions happen in the area.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said a joint team from the Mandurriao police led by Chief Inspector Orly Gabinete and other police teams from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) would be tasked to monitor the place.
Treñas said the city police will ensure security within the perimeter of the Smallville complex and the adjacent nightlife area Boardwalk.
The image of Smallville complex was tarnished after an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed that restaurants and bars in the area are used as drop centers of illegal drugs such as shabu and ecstasy.
The report was discussed in last week's City Peace and Order Council meeting.
Treñas also urged establishment owners to also create their own security plan to deter the occurrence of illegal activities in the area.
Treñas also said they are looking into the possibility of conducting checkpoints in the area.
During last weeks meeting, establishment owners in Smallville complex vowed to cooperate with the city government's plan to ensure security in the place.
They even requested for the installation of more lampposts to illuminate the place, said Treñas.
Meanwhile, Treñas reminded owners of business establishments in Smallville complex to follow the ordinance prohibiting the serving of liquors to minors.
Treñas also directed the law enforcers to reactivate the curfew for minors.
Any establishment caught violating the two ordinances will face cancellation of their business permit, said Treñas.
The reminder was made by the chief executive in last Friday's meeting with the managers of different restaurants and bars in Smallville complex. The meeting was attended by City Legal Officer Atty. Edgardo Gil, Chief Inspector Orly Gabinete, chief of the Mandurriao police station, Iloilo City Police Office director Senior Supt. Bartolome Tobias and Police Regional Office 6 director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director Supt. Roybel Sanchez and PDEA's counsel Atty. Ronnie Delicana were also present.
Managers of various establishments at Smallville complex vowed to cooperate with the city government in the implementation of the said ordinances even if it would mean a reduction in their customers.
Treñas said waiters and waitresses must request for an identification card in case they doubt the age of their customers. It is one of the preventive factors to ensure that the ordinance is strictly implemented.
The curfew ordinance bans children below 18 years old to stay outside their homes from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m of the following day.
Treñas added that the curfew for minors will not only be implemented within the Smallville complex but in the entire city.
Treñas also tapped the help of the Task Force Adams Apple headed by Councilor Ely Estante in the campaign. The task force will take charge in the implementation of the anti-prostitution ordinances.