Taguig gov't intensifies fight vs. illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines - The Taguig City government has intensified its fight against illegal gambling in the city.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano reminded the city's barangay officials that illegal gambling operations will not be tolerated as she ordered the Taguig City Police to strike hard against illegal gambling operators.

“May I remind our constituents, through our barangay officials, that illegal gambling will not be tolerated in our city. I gave our local police officials clear instructions to go after illegal gambling syndicates and jail those who are behind them,” Mayor Cayetano said.

Cayetano said that for the first two weeks of April, the local government has been publicly destroying “video karera” machines or video game machines that simulate horse racing which were confiscated from illegal operators in several parts of the city.

Last April 14, a total of 40 video karera machines were destroyed during the flag-raising ceremony at the city hall grounds by the city police.

Taguig City police chief, Senior Supt. Arthur Felix Asis, said they will file cases against those found to be operating illegal gambling activities in the city.

“We stay firm in our stand against illegal gambling. This message is clear and I am hoping that this will serve as a warning to all perpetrators,” Mayor Cayetano said.

Intensified efforts from both the Taguig police and the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) are also being done to eradicate the incidence of illegal gambling in Taguig, according to Asis.

“We have already filed cases against 17 suspects in violation of the anti-illegal gambling law from January to March. This is an all-out war against illegal gambling, and we assure everyone of our continuous efforts in eradicating these unlawful acts,” Asis said.

In addition, POSO personnel confiscated a total of 32 video karera machines and 48 fighting cocks for the first quarter of 2014.

Aside from round-the-clock monitoring and patrol, the Taguig police has also involved barangay officials in efforts to curb illegal gambling, which includes illegal cockfights, cara y cruz, and fruit and color games (similar to slot machines), among others.

“As I have said, time and time again, illegal activities are not and will never be tolerated in Taguig. If we all work together, we could triumph against such criminalities and achieve peace and progress in our beloved city,” Mayor Cayetano said.