Inn faces closure after OFW’s ‘basag-kotse’ incident

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A “basag-kotse” heist victimizing an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has uncovered a business permit violation by an inn in Barangay 38.

Bacolod City legal officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. confirmed the establishment has not renewed its permit since 2023, leading to a first notice of violation from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO).

Ting highlighted the inn’s obligation to meet the city’s operational requirements, warning that failure to do so could result in its closure.

The discovery followed a city mapping operation, wherein the inn reportedly claimed to have ceased operations.

Ting expressed skepticism about the establishment’s operations after the recent incident, implying that the reason given previously may be questionable.

The OFW’s ordeal began when their van was burglarized outside the inn, resulting in a loss exceeding P60,000.

Despite checking in due to weariness from a Boracay excursion and assuming safety, the family’s van was left vandalized, with the OFW’s passport among the missing items crucial for imminent overseas travel.

While the BPLO enforces regulations, law enforcement is simultaneously seeking leads, possibly through footage from nearby CCTV, to apprehend the individuals responsible for the theft.