2 kubradors arrested: Mayor taps NGOs to help Drive vs illegal gambling

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – Two non-government organizations have been authorized by Mayor Mauricio Domogan to assist in the campaigns against illegal gambling and smoking in the city.

This, as two juetengkubradors were nabbed here last week for illegal gambling.

Gerald C. Palomique, 32 of Quezon Hill was arrested at an eatery near a jeep terminal at Lake Drive July 30.

Confiscated from the suspect were pieces of paper with written jueteng combination numbers and cash bet amounting P110.00.

Palomique was detained at the city jail on order of inquest prosecutor Paulene Aquino dela Cruz while a case for violation of Republic Act 9287 was filed against the suspect.

In another earlier incident July 29, police arrested Ariel A. Aguila, 37 of San Pablo City, Laguna who was billeted at a hotel along Kisad Road.

Confiscated from him were jueteng paraphernalia and cash bets amounting P180.75.

The suspect was also detained at the city jail on order of city prosecutor Ana Valerie Cacho and a case for illegal gambling was also filed against him.

The mayor last July 18 issued Administrative Order No. 85 authorizing the duly accredited members of the Bantay Baguio (Citizens Watch), Inc. to assist the city government in monitoring the proliferation of illegal activities such as illegal gambling, businesses operating without business permits and others.

On July 21, the mayor issued Administrative Order No. 86 authorizing the Church of God Baguio to assist the city government in the implementation of the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance specifically related to the apprehension of smokers in public places and vehicles and the posting of ‘No Smoking’ signs in conspicuous places in the city.

The mayor said both groups voluntarily offered their services to the city and the city acknowledges the need to involve the community in its programs in line with its thrust for participatory governance.

“The willingness of the officials and members (of said groups) to help in the implementation of applicable laws and ordinances to prevent and reduce crimes and to reduce pollutants in the city’s air is very much welcome for there is a need to tap the services of volunteers who are willing to help the City Government effectively and efficiently enforce existing laws in order to make Baguio City and ideal Character City and clean its air and instill discipline among its residents and visitors not to smoke in public places,” the mayor noted in the orders.

Bantay Baguio is a duly registered NGO aiming to serve as guardians of the citizens’ welfare by working for the prevention of all kinds of crimes and help enforce anti-vice and local tax ordinances and national laws on environment and sanitation; and promote good character and family unity.

The Church of Baguio meanwhile signified its intention to help the city government in the strict enforcement of the anti-smoking law as well as in the advocacy against smoking.

Both groups were required to submit a weekly report on their designated tasks to serve as basis of executive and legislative actions.

The mayor said the authority will be effective only for one year and subject to renewal depending on their performance.