ILOILO City — The Task Force on Morals and Values Formation (TFMVF) has intensified its monitoring and inspection of drinking establishments and entertainment venues across the city in the remaining days of 2025, as authorities strictly enforce regulations prohibiting minors from entering bars and nightclubs.
TFMVF head Nestor Canong said recent roving inspections yielded positive results, with no minors rescued. He noted that only a small number of customers were seen entering KTV bars and nightclubs, particularly in the Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district and entertainment areas in the City Proper district.
“So far, the situation has been calm and orderly. We did not rescue any minors during our most recent roving inspections,” Canong said.
He added that the task force remains proactive, especially this holiday season: “Our goal is not only enforcement but prevention — to stop incidents before they happen, especially those involving minors.”
Canong emphasized that establishment owners also share responsibility in ensuring compliance with city ordinances.
“We continuously remind bar and entertainment venue owners that minors must not be allowed inside their establishments. They have a responsibility to help maintain order and protect young people,” he said, adding that close coordination with law enforcement agencies remains crucial.
To reinforce these efforts, special units of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) have been conducting regular foot and mobile patrols. Officers from police stations 1, 5, 7, and 10 were deployed in Mandurriao and the City Proper to ensure peace and order in nightlife areas. Authorities said the heightened police visibility serves as both a deterrent and a rapid response to any untoward incidents.
The intensified inspections followed a stabbing incident involving minors at Cubix Park in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao. Five individuals were charged in connection with the incident, which occurred outside a bar.
Police Captain Val Cambel, chief of Police Station 10, said two suspects were charged with frustrated homicide, while three others were charged with physical injuries.
“Of the five suspects, four were arrested, while one remains at large,” Cambel said.
The fugitive is believed to be one of those who stabbed the victim, identified only by the alias “Ja.”
Cambel clarified that police officers had already warned both the suspects and the victim while they were still inside the bar.
“We had already cautioned them inside the establishment. We did not expect that a fight would still break out,” he said.
He added that the altercation occurred at the rear portion of Cubix Park, prompting an immediate response from police officers on duty and patrol units.
“Because of the quick response, four of the suspects were immediately apprehended,” Cambel said.
Authorities reiterated their appeal to parents, establishment owners, and the public to remain vigilant and cooperative, stressing that protecting minors and maintaining peace and order in entertainment areas remain a top priority, particularly during the holiday season./PN
