Seized ‘video karera’ machines destroyed
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (right) and City Administrator Norlito Bautista smash the video karera units seized by the Iloilo City police as part of their campaign against illegal gambling.Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog led the destruction of the confiscated “video karera” machines as part of the campaign against illegal gambling, after the City Hall flag raising rites yesterday.
Mabilog lauded the efforts of Iloilo City Police Office, saying the confiscation of these illegal betting machines is “an outstanding testimony to our police forces’ painstaking efforts and firm resolve to rid the city of such social menace.”
Through a video karera, which is like a slot machine, a person can bet as low as P1 on an electronic horse and win the coins inside the machine. It is considered illegal because even minors are able to bet.
“(Our police) have diligently endeavored to accomplish their task through sheer will and strong determination in leading the fight against illegal gambling operations in the city,” said Mabilog, who gave a Mayor’s citation to the ICPO and its district police stations.
Those who received the commendations were Senior Supt. Dennis Basngi, city police director; Chief Insp. Dande Deocampo of Task Group Anti-illegal Gambling; Senior Insp. Eliezer Baclagon of City Proper district; Senior Insp. Lorenes Losaria of La Paz; Chief Insp. Jay Malong of Jaro; Senior Insp. Reuben Siason of Molo; Senior Insp. Rio Maymay of Mandurriao; Insp. Manny Manuel of Arevalo; and Supt. Eduardo Tuazon of the Public Safety Company.
Basngi, for his part, said there will be no let-up in their campaign against other forms of unlawful betting games, including “spider derby,” “last two,” and “tumbo” or cara y cruz.
He encouraged city residents to provide information on illegal gambling activities so they can act on the reports immediately.*
