POLICE operatives of Dagupan accompanied by anti-prostitution civic and religious representatives swooped down on the city’s ‘ red light district’ in Arellano-Bani here, arresting several pimps and customers of suspected prostitution dens and lewd show clubs over the past few days.

The police operation supervised by City Police Chief Dionicio Borromeo was part of the intensified campaign to clamp down on prostitution patrons and operators in the city in line with City Ordinance 1896-2007 or the Anti Flesh Trade Ordinance.

Appropriate charges were filed in court against the suspects who all reportedly posted bail within minutes

At least two suspected pimps, “Philip” of Bugallon and “Roger” of sitio Aliquas on Arellano were arrested during a raid along the strip on April 1.More than 10 suspected prostitutes were also taken in for questioning.

Another entrapment operation was conducted the following day, netting suspected pimps “Jayson” and “Ronald”, both from the city. Two entertainers were arrested.

The anti-flesh trade ordinance prescribes penalties against not only night club operators and agents engaged in lewd shows or acts of prostitution but their customers as well who are caught having indecent acts with the establishment’s guest relations officers (GROs) or attendants.

In the April 1 raid, a religious pastor, Edgardo Ico accompanied the authorities on behalf of the civic groups as called for in the ordinance concerning the conduct of police raids on such suspected sex dens.

On Sunday, April 6, city police also raided the VTB Massage Parlor located along Arellano-Bani. The raiders caught a customer and an attendant in the act of having sex, the police report said.