Taguig intensifies war vs. illegal gambling operators

Mayor Lani Cayetano on Sunday announced that the local government of Taguig, in close coordination with the Taguig City Police Station, has launched an intensified campaign against illegal gambling in the city.

Mayor Lani also vowed to apply the full extent of the law in going after illegal gambling operators and dismantling criminal syndicates that prey on hapless citizens.

“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,” the local chief executive said.

For the first two weeks of April, the local government has been publicly destroying “video karera” (VK) machines confiscated from illegal operators in several parts of the city. Just last April 14, a total of 40 VK machines were destroyed during the flag-raising ceremony at the city hall grounds.

The use of VK machines is a form of illegal gambling and victimizes poor residents in Taguig.

Taguig chief of police Senior Supt. Arthur Felix Asis disclosed that they will be filing 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 Lani said.

Intensified efforts from both the Taguig PNP and the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) are being undertaken to eradicate the incidence of illegal gambling in Taguig.

“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 PNP 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 Lani said. ###