The police yesterday explained amid media criticisms why the “caretaker” of the sex gadget shop raided by cops and members of the City Legal Office Monday was released before charges could be filed.

Luigi Tan of the 577 China Commercial was released a few hours after his arrest at the 888 Chinatown Square at Gatuslao Street, Bacolod, “because he was just the store’s caretaker and not the owner,” Police Station 2 commander, Senior Inspector Luisito Acebuche, said.

Tan, who told reporters Monday that he was from Victorias City, Negros Occidental, could no longer be located as of press time last night, Acebuche said.

He said Tan was “detainable” but it was the shop owner who was liable for the sale of the vibrators, giant dolls, and other sex paraphernalia seized by his team and that of lawyer Vicente Petierre III of the CLO.

The shop was listed under the name of Diosa Achenova, records of the Chinatown Square show. It did not have a business permit from the Bacolod City Permits and Licensing Division.

Tan told him during investigation that he was just asked by Achenova to look after the stall for a few days after it opened on February 29, Acebuche added.

Petierre, on the other hand, when asked about the release of Tan referred the DAILY STAR to the police for an explanation.

Carlson Ty, 888 Chinatown Square executive vice president, said Tan, who also uses the surname Chan, is Achenova’s husband.

The display and sale of the gadgets violates the provisions of the Article 201 of the Revised Penal code as amended by Presidential Decree No’s. 960 and 969, prohibiting the show, sale, and distribution of pornographic materials, Acebuche had said.

Penalty for the offense ranges from a prison term of six years or a fine of P6,000 to P12,000, or both.

Acebuche said they will file charges against the store owner first thing today after they get the affidavits of the CLO members who were part of the raid.*PP

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