By Jean Fernando
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar on Tuesday ordered the ban of video karera machines in the city after parents and concerned citizens complained of the game’s proliferation, particularly near schools.
Aguilar directed Las Piñas Police Chief Marion Balonglong to crack down on video karera machines and arrest their operators or owners.
She also ordered the strict implementation of the One-Strike policy to all Police Community Precinct (PCP) commanders who fail to go after the illegal gaming machines.
“We have to ban all video karera in the city to protect students and youth from gambling that affects their studies. This is also to heed the complaint of parents to help their children from spending their allowance on video karera," Aguilar said.
Balonglong reported that more than 20 video karera machines were confiscated during police raids in several areas including Basa Compound in Barangay Zapote, Barangay Pulanglupa Uno and Dos, Manuyo Uno and Dos, Talon Uno and Dos, and CAA.
The video karera operators were charged with violating the anti-illegal gambling law, Balonglong said.
Vice Mayor Luis Bustamante, who is also city council’s presiding officer, recommended to Councilor Mark Anthony Santos, chairman on Peace and Order Committee, to file a resolution on ‘One-Strike’ policy against PCP commanders who allow and support the operation of video kareras.
Aguilar also directed barangay officials to monitor their communities and closely coordinate with PCP commanders to help enforce the ban.