BULL'S HIT

Grease money and illegal gambling dens
Rudy Garcia

The successive raids conducted on suspected gambling dens in Baguio by elements of the Criminal Investigation Detection Group showed authorities particularly the city mayor’s office are in full swing battle against these illegal activities.

“This is war,” said Mayor-elect Peter Rey Bautista and he now means business when he strictly made his order for the immediate crackdown of suspected gambling lairs. First to fall was the “Drop Ball” and “Pula’t Puti” at Hilltop Kayang, followed by the daytime raid of illegal gambling activities along lower Magsaysay Ave., just below the Hidden Massage and Videoke.

“There will be more to follow” said “Ka Greg,” the trusted lieutenant and secretary of Bautista. I really believe this guy as he initiated the closure of the mini carnival trade fair at Otek St. and the supposed Bingo Rama cum gambling den along lower Magsaysay Ave., formerly Philippine Rabbit Sinkhole.

His recent actions refuted the allegations of some that he is on the take from the operators of bingo dens. He never was involved in any way fixing activities when it comes to easy issue of permits and clearances to bingo ramas. Grease or protection money is not in his vocabulary, but he accepts the fact that these dirty tricks allegations thrown at him is the price he has to pay for doing his job.

True, I exposed in my past columns, the fixing activities of some government and barangay officials regarding permits, clearances and even protection of these bingo establishments, but “Ka Greg” or any of his co-staff are not involved, the reason why it earned the ire of some persons not given special favors.

To me, it was such disgust to read in the newspapers and hear on the radio allegations Ka Greg took money from these operators. He was like a suspect pre-judged through public opinion. Yes sir, those detractors of this man are but protectors and even taking part of the cake from these bingo cum gambling activities.

Why don’t they take a deeper look on what is really happening at city hall? Instead of verifying facts, these Hao Shiaos tried to play the game circumventing the truth! May I ask if they know that a top department head at city hall is among those protecting these bingo dens?

That he easily receive a measly P15,000.00 just for his “blessing”? And even giving guarantee that these establishments will be free from bulabog? In fact he was not able to lift even a single finger at times when the operators needed him most? Well, if these nakikisawsaw people don’t know yet, they better shut their mouths and go back to elementary to learn more the real facts. Wala pong personalan. Trabaho lang, period!
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Now that school days are back to normal, school authorities should start to monitor their students and keep tight watch over those students suspected as members of fraternities or gang groups. I bet, these groups are eyeing possible new members to be recruited especially high school students.

The increasing incidents of young gang wars in this city is alarming. City authorities can’t solve the problem without the cooperation of citizens especially teachers and the parents. The parents should make this one of their primary concerns otherwise, it might be too late before they knew that their children are members and deeply involved with undesirable groups.

School authorities and the parents should institute strict measures to abate the proliferation of young fraternities in their school premises. It is also appropriate for them to coordinate with proper authorities like the police if they know of any existence of fraternities or gang groups in their schools.

I have been receiving reports that some favorite hang-outs of fraternities are at Burnham Park Skating Rink, Melvin Jones Grandstand, Rizal Park, Rose Garden Park, and their favorite stand bye after class hours is in front of Insular Bldg, below the City Hall.

So dear parents, why don’t you try to visit and take a short look at these I mentioned areas. Who knows, your child maybe there, and to Baguio City police chief Moises Guevarra, pakibusisi po ninyo ito sir!
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Our parting lines for this week. Everyone of us know that health is wealth no matter where and how your status stands whether you are rich or poor. Being healthy is a non- compromise treasure worth keeping. Feeling great by being healthy both in mind and body is worth a price.

For parting health tip, it is best to start your exercise with warm up aerobics mixed with flexing then followed by isometrics like weight lifting. Follow strict diet and avoid unhealthy lifestyles. For more information and proper guidance, visit us at Muscleanous Fitness Gym located ay Kayang St. Baguio City. Look for Mr. Ahmor Cayat, proprietor and chief instructor. So what are you waiting for, start training, be physically fit, build your muscles, pump them up and see and feel the different you. See you there.