MORE NEWS, IFUGAO

Mayor starts ‘war’ against illegal gambling in Lagawe
BY MHARS B. LIHGAWON

LAGAWE, Ifugao – The mayor here warned gambling operators here to stop their illegal activities and has started to personally inspect suspected gambling dens.

Mayor Ceasario Cabbigat, backed by the municipal peace and order council swooped down on alleged gambling dens located at urban barangays of this capital town last week to check their existence while urging people not to patronize such establishments.

Out of the 11 reported alleged gambling dens mostly located in private establishments, five were in actual operation when the group arrived surprising the people playing.
It was earlier reported to Lagawe police that these places were dens of gambling like bingo, “monte” and including jueteng.

Cabbigat said the inspections signaled the start of war against all forms of illegal gambling in the municipality.

“This is just a warning to the people involved, the present administration is not tolerating this kind of activities that disturb the peace and order situation of this municipality” he said.

During the inspections, some owners said these activities were merely recreational especially “bingo” since most players were retirees.

They also bargained that if possible, this kind of game will be allowed during Saturdays and Sundays.

But Cabbigat advised owners of the establishments to completely stop their operation pending the MPOC’s decision on their request or else police will confiscate their gambling paraphernalia.

Furthermore, the owners of the establishments signed a manifesto declaring their support to the anti-gambling campaign of the present administration.