CCPO to send video karera electronic parts to Japan

CEBU, Philippines — To protect the environment, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will send to Japan the electronic parts of illegal gambling machines and only the wooden parts will be disposed here.

A total of 330 illegal gambling machines were destroyed yesterday at the CCPO quadrangle.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Chief Directorial Staff, and Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, director of CCPO, led the ceremonial destruction of the illegal gambling machines.

They carefully destroyed the wooden parts and made sure the electronic parts remain intact to avoid lead and mercury leak.

“Dapat i-consider natin ang environment considering na toxic naman talaga itong component ng video karera machine,” Doria said.

After the ceremonial destruction, the machines were taken by Cebu Common Treatment Facility Inc., a private company that will facilitate the proper disposal.

The company was recommended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to Doria when he sought guidance on the proper disposal of the machines.

General Manager Ronnel Botardo emphasized that improper disposal has harmful effects to the environment since the machines contain lead and mercury.

 “It will undergo (proper) destruction, especially ang mga electronic component kasi ito yun ang nagdadala ng function. These machines contain hazardous components like lead and mercury,” Botardo said.

The illegal gambling machines destroyed yesterday were those confiscated this year and were already cleared by the court following the resolution of cases.

The ceremony was done to show that CCPO is serious in the fight against drugs and illegal gambling.

Dumangeng, in his speech, said that this will serve as a stern warning that law enforcers will run after illegal businesses.

Doria committed that police forces will double their efforts to counter illegal gambling.

He said that in most cases, illegal drugs and gambling go together as most gambling hubs also become a place where drugs are sold.

“Rest assured we will do our best to eliminate or possibly minimize ang illegal-gambling machines dito sa city, kasi nakasisira din ito sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan na nalululong sa sugal,” Doria said. — MBG (FREEMAN)