Joy Belmonte declares all-out war vs illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte yesterday ordered the local police to spearhead an all-out war against all forms of illegal gambling in the city. 

“We will launch full-scale operations against jueteng, video karera, ez-2, loteng and other illegal gambling,” Belmonte said.

She said cockfighting during fiesta celebrations as well as sakla during wakes would be banned by the city government.

Belmonte issued the directive a day after the Philippine National Police (PNP) called out Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo over alleged rampant illegal gambling in the city.   

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa warned Montejo of relief if he fails to solve the problem.  

Montejo vowed to deliver accomplishments in the operations against illegal gambling within the week, according to Belmonte.

The mayor ordered Montejo to apprehend operators of illegal gambling.

Last year, Belmonte shut down various illegal gambling establishments, including hubs of Philippine offshore gaming operators in Quezon City.

She also directed officials of the city’s 142 barangays to monitor illegal gambling operations in their areas.

 “We need everyone’s cooperation. With the help of the police and barangay officials, we will ensure that illegal gambling will be totally eradicated,” Belmonte said.

The city government is planning to develop an anti-illegal gambling plan similar to its campaign against drugs, which encourages community participation and reporting.

Members of the QCPD arrested yesterday 10 persons for cockfighting and llegal card games.

Police said the suspects were apprehended in Barangays Obrero, Gulod, Bagbag, San Martin de Porres and Kaligayanan.

Montejo urged the public to help in the campaign by reporting to authorities illegal gambling activities.