Baguio mayor orders: Probe gambling, arrest operators

By Paul Rillorta

BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Mauricio Domogan ordered city police to immediately act against alleged gambling joints discreetly operating in the summer capital, and arrest operators, considering police patrol cars were often seen near such sites.

Domogan said as soon as he received complaints on said operations of illegal gambling activities, he immediately called city police chief Rolando Miranda to verify authenticity of said reports.

“What the police told me, there are no gambling activities in the areas,” he said.

Domogan however ordered police to conduct follow-up operations and arrest those who are behind these illegal activities.
“We also received reports that police patrols were seen parked in these areas and I am waiting for pictures or any proof so we can act accordingly if indeed this is true,” he said.

Domogan said, “illegal gambling in the city is hard to detect as they operate ‘on and off’ and they can transfer easily.”

“We appeal to the public to help us put a stop to these illegal activities by coordinating and reporting to the police illegal gambling dens,” he said.

The mayor said support from the community in dealing with such activities is an essential factor in addressing illegal gambling in the city.

He said,” aside from being involved in monitoring illegal activities, elders and parents should also teach values to their children especially against gambling and other bad vices.”

Domogan also challenged the media to report government officials who engage or protect illegal gambling activities.
Police said from January to September of this year, they conducted 10 successful police operations against illegal gambling and arrested 42 persons involved with eight cases filed in court.