MPD vows to stop illegal gambling

The Manila police has affirmed its resolve to stop illegal horserace bookie operators with the recent arrest of 15 bookie personnel in successive operations against illegal gambling within the week.

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Roberto “Boysie” Rosales has warned station commanders and support unit chiefs of relief if they are found receiving protection money from gambling lords.

“This is a total war against all forms of illegal gambling in support of the aim of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to make the city free of illegal gambling,” Rosales said.

Lim has recently created the Mayor’s Special Action Team (MSAT), which is specifically tasked to control and suppress the proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal gambling in the city.

The team, which shall be under Lim’s direct supervision, was tasked to conduct raids, apprehension and surveillance of places used in the commission of crimes, vices and other forms of illegal activities, including the arrest of persons found in the actual commission of crimes and offenses.

The MPD’s Special Task Group under Senior Superintendent Jose Mario Espino swooped down on Singalong, Quiapo, Tondo and Port Area where illegal bookies operate resulting in the arrest of 15 personnel. Seized from them were lists of bets, calculators, ballpens, racing programs, and cash amounting to more than a thousand pesos.

Team leader SPO2 Joji Marcelo said the arrested persons were personnel of gambling operators “Stanley” and “Daboy.”

Espino said more raids will soon be conducted on identified places where illegal gambling are rampant. 

Rosales assured the mayor that the MPD shall support his vision of making Manila a gambling-free city.