Gambling machines seized in Sambag Dos

CEBU, Philippines -  At least 13 illegal gambling machines were confiscated in a saturation drive along B. Rodriguez Street, Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City on Tuesday.

Elements of the City Intelligence Branch and Fuente Police Station conducted the operation past 12 a.m. after receiving reports on the alleged rampant illegal gambling in the area.

 “Nanawag man ang taga-barangay, magpatabang daw sila kay daghan kaayo og kaso sa video karera didto, maong among giaksyonan,” said CIB chief Romeo Santander.

They were able to seize seven moli-moli machines and six video karera machines apparently abandoned in a makeshift room at the interior portion of the area.

Barangay councilman Ryan Aznar, who assisted the operatives, was surprised to see that the place was already deserted during the operation.

“Mostly man gud, magbinuntagay na sila. Nahibong na lang mi nganong mingaw man, naa gyud siguro’y ni leak nga information,” he said.

According to him, the operation of illegal gambling machines has continued in their barangay despite the saturation drives conducted earlier.

“Prior ani, nag-raid na gud ‘to pag-July, but two days after nibalik na pud dayon og operate,” he said.

Aznar believed that the problem on illegal gambling machines is interrelated with the drug and robbery cases in their area, prompting the barangay to take serious actions.

He said they are also looking into other reports they received from the residents regarding the presence of illegal gambling activities in other areas of the barangay.

The 13 confiscated machines were later destroyed in front of the residents of the barangay. —, (FREEMAN)