NBI to probe 'payola' folder in raided Pasay restobar

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will investigate the “payola” folder containing petty cash vouchers named under law enforcement agencies found inside an alleged prostitution den in Pasay City.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Marisol Abdurahman on Tuesday, the NBI said that it would be difficult to base solely on the vouchers as the names might have been only used.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will not let the incident pass.

“Patuloy kaming nangangalap ng ebidensya. Kung mayroon po na nakakapanood dito na may information relatively doon sa sinasabing payola ay makipagugnayan po kayo sa inyong pambansang pulisya. Definitely po yung registered owners po yung mga nagpapatakbo. They already have some names but I have to wait for the official documents,” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.

(We continue to look for evidence. If others watching this have information relative to the alleged payola, please coordinate with your national police. Definitely, the registered owners are running this.)

The Pasay police refused to comment, saying that it only served as perimeter security for the operation.

Up to 77 rescued victims, including minors, from the raided establishment are now undergoing counselling.

The police reported arresting 27 foreigners and 80 Filipinos in the restobar during the operation on Saturday. More than 10 suspects are facing complaints at the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News