56 GROs rounded up in QC, Manila raids - report

MANILA, Philippines - At least 56 guest relations officers (GROs) were rounded up in a series of raids on videoke bars in Quezon City and Manila, dzBB radio reported before dawn Thursday. Quezon City police said the roundup was part of "Oplan Magdalena" to "rescue" minors forced to work as GROs in such establishments. Police said the 50 GROs were from at least five "big" videoke bars in Commonwealth and Batasan villages in Quezon City, near the House of Representatives where President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is to deliver her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28. The QCPD said it is now verifying the GROs to see if they have legal working permits. Minors will be sent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the police said. Meanwhile, at least six GROs were also rounded up in raids on KTV bars in Manila. The GROs were found to have no individual working permits. Police said they are now preparing possible charges against owners of the KTV bars. - GMANews.TV