Girls, including at least 1 minor rescued from videoke bars in Abra

Several guest relations officers, including at least one minor, were rescued from several videoke bars in Abra province following a series of surprise inspections this week.

Police teams who inspected the bars in Bangued town found the establishments had the proper permits but the GROs lacked working permits, GMA Ilocos reported.

The operatives took into custody at least one of the minors who was working as a GRO.

"Bale yung mga minor ay mag-undergo ng counseling at sinabihan na rin namin yung mga parents nila  hinggil dito sa trabaho nila at papauwiin na namin sila sa mga bahay nila," said Bangued municipal social welfare officer Myrna Borgania.

But the manager of one of the bars said the workers were temporary "employees."

"Kararating lang nila kaninang madaling araw kasi actually po yung mga babae ko rito paalis-alis, pa-extra-extra lang sila," said Roselyn Panganiban, one of the managers.

On the other hand, residents have complained about the noises from the bars.

Edgar Viado, business permit and licensing officer, said the bars play music up to 10 p.m., while the local ordinance allows it until 9 p.m.  — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News