Ermita chief wants more raids vs video karera

CEBU, Philippines - After the recent confiscation of several “video karera” and “moli-moli” machines, Ermita Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta said a number of electronic gambling units are still operating in his barangay.

“Dia pa’y daghang video karera diri. Kinahanglan nga ila ni’ng balikon kay aron dili ta magduda nga tighatagan ni nila mao nga wala nila kuhaa,” the barangay captain said.

Personnel from the Cebu City Police Office conducted an operation in Sitio Ermita Proper last week and confiscated 15 video karera and moli-moli machines.

Rupinta confirmed reports that there are many video karera machines in Ermita, including Sitio Bato and Sitio Baho, operating just a few meters away from the Carbon Police Station.

Meanwhile, CCPO director Noli Romana denied speculations that his personnel have done nothing against the rampant operations of video karera and moli-moli in different barangays of the city.

“Just to clarify things, my men in the field always comply to all our directives, specially on illegal drugs and illegal gambling. It’s unfair to say that they did nothing. Records show how many VK machines were already confiscated. But I think its continued presence of guerilla type is due to the patronage of the people, just like other forms of gambling,” Romana said.

The police official is hoping that “we could set the tone of changing a culture, a culture dented by a belief in luck rather than hard work.”

When a joint team from the CCPO conducted simultaneous raids in Barangays Calamba, Ermita and Pasil the other night, they were able to confiscate 38 units of video karera and moli-moli.

Rupinta supports the immediate destruction of the confiscated gambling machines. “Duna man go’y posibilidad nga kun dad-on ang mga karera sa police stations nga mabalik ra gihapon na sa mga tag-iya.” —/ATO (FREEMAN)