Several women in Bulacan appealed to the Central Luzon police to stop the illegal gambling activities happening in amusement parks and fairs or "peryahan" in the province saying that their husbands and children are getting addicted to gambling.
The women said they used to feel happy whenever a "peryahan" opens in their towns but since the proliferation of illegal gambling in these fairs, they have started to dread their opening.
"Isa sanang napakasayang tanawin ngayong pasko subali't naging huwad dahil sa iligal na sugal," (It's supposed to be a joyful time for a family especially this Christmas but these 'peryahans' have turned into illegal gambling sites)," they told the Manila Bulletin.
They lamented the fact that instead of going on rides with their families, their husbands and children rush to the illegal gambling areas to play in color games or drop balls and other forms of illegal gambling.
They said that as early as 7 p.m., the illegal gambling activities at “peryas” in Barangay Santa Clara, Sta Maria, and in the town of Pandi, in Bulacan, are already crowded with people, including children who are getting hooked on betting.
"Ang naipon naming pera para sana pang Noche Buena ay naubos na sa perya dahil naipatalo sa sugal (The money that we have saved up for Noche Buena was lost to gambling in the fairs)," the mothers' said.
They likened illegal gambling to addiction to illegal drugs as they are finding it hard to stop their family members from engaging in them.
"May balita kasi kami, kapag may nagsumbong daw sa pulisya tungkol sa mga iligal na sugal sa perya, agad nag-ooffer diumano ang may-ari ng perya ng cash para hindi sila mapasara at tuloy ang kanilang operasyon sa iligal na sugal, kaya sa media persons kami lumalapit (We learned that if somebody reports to the police the illegal gambling activities, the owners of the fair would start offering cash to authorities so they can continue to operate their illegal games, so we decided to bring our concern to the media)," the group said.
According to the Anti-Illegal Gambling law, all gambling and money-related activities are strictly prohibited in accordance with Republic Act 9287 and Presidential Decree 1602. All forms of gambling during wakes and fiesta celebrations are also prohibited.