ANGELES CITY — An entertainment bar in Barangay Pampang here has been ordered shut down on April 17 for employing a 17-year-old minor.
IM KTV Bar, located in Timog Park Subdivision, faced closure as Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. continues to ensure the strict compliance of regulations of business establishments in the city.
“Alam naman po ninyo na mahigpit nating ipinapatupad ang mga regulations natin. Let us ensure that all are in compliance,” Lazatin said. “We will not allow any wrongdoings. The city government will file charges against the bar.”
Aside from the rescued minor who hails from Tagum City in Davao Del Norte and has been working in the bar since early January 2023, a total of 44 other employees were also taken to be assessed at the Ima Foundation.
Mayor Lazatin conducted a random yet regular inspection among business establishments in the city with a team from the Business Permit and Licensing Division led by Evangeline Malonzo, City Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Edna Duaso, Angeles City Police Office Station 2 and the Women and Children’s Protection Desk.
According to Duaso, the rescued minor will remain under the custody of CSWDO at the Home for the Girls.
The city government will coordinate with the local government of Tagum City to reintegrate the rescued minor into her family.
Duaso also said that she was instructed by Mayor Lazatin to assist and ensure the welfare and safety of all rescued employees.
Mayor Lazatin, since taking office in 2019, has been implementing the strict compliance of regulations particularly for business operations.
