Cebu City is contemplating the shutdown of a lodging inn on Manalili Street following a raid by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Authorities claim the inn was operating as a drug den catering to students and workers.
Councilor Pablo Labra has proposed a resolution for a comprehensive investigation into the inn's operations. This includes inspecting its branches across the city to determine compliance with local laws.
The resolution, set for discussion in Tuesday’s city council session, aims to close any branch found violating regulations, pending due process.
Labra's proposal follows an NBI report detailing a March 12 operation at the inn, during which 15 individuals were arrested, including the alleged manager, Norilyn Rivera Soroño, also known as 'Inday.'
“The operation stemmed from information that Alias ‘Inday’ was maintaining a drug den at the said low-cost inn,” the NBI report stated.
During the raid, agents seized various items, including drug paraphernalia and cash. The inn reportedly operated 24/7, providing access to rooms for illicit activities.
The NBI's investigation revealed that clients included students, call center agents, and local merchants, raising alarms about the establishment's impact on community safety.
Labra emphasized the need for a thorough examination to determine if other branches engage in similar illegal activities. Any closure recommendations must adhere to due process.
The report indicates that the inn has been operating with expired permits, prompting further scrutiny from city authorities.
As of now, the inn's management has not publicly addressed the allegations or the potential closure. The Cebu City Inn May Be Shut Down After Drug Den Discovery.