Velasco orders investigation of booming carnivals in Manila

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco ordered a probe yesterday into reports over the mushrooming mini-carnivals or peryahan along busy streets in Manila.

Velasco’s reaction came following an expose of a news program Saksi in Channel 7 on the proliferation of mini-carnivals or peryahan in Sta. Cruz and Sampaloc which are allegedly being protected by unscrupulous police officials and members of the media.

The report claimed that the mini-carnivals are actually fronts for illegal gambling as it caters to the noted color game or pula’t-puti to bettors, who are mostly children.

Upon receipt of the TV report, Velasco directed the five police district directors to cleanse their areas of peryahan and other forms of illegal gambling activities.

He said the proliferation of illegal gambling in Metro Manila should not be blamed on him but on the district directors who are remiss in their duties.

"So far, the five police district directors are actively involved in the aggressive campaign against illegal gambling.

I must emphasize that they are the ones to be blamed if they fail to curb their areas of all forms of illegal vices," said Velasco.

According to Velasco, he will ask the management of Channel 7 to furnish them the video showing that peryahan are actually a front for illegal gambling "so necessary actions would be instituted."

Velasco brought to the attention of Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong, Manila police chief, the peryahan problem as he expects him to act accordingly, regardless of their police and media protectors.

"It is the Manila police chief’s responsibility, so he must take the lead in dealing with the problem," said Velasco. – Non Alquitran