Tondo cops in trouble over 'video karera'

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Alex Gutierrez warned Tondo police station chief Superintendent Rolando Tumalad and his men yesterday to clear their area of video karera machines or face relief.

“I will spare no one under whose jurisdiction illegal gambling is found to be in operation. There will be no ifs or buts,” he said.

Gutierrez issued the warning after parents complained that video karera machines – a poor man’s slot machine, popular in slum areas – are causing its players to resort to petty crimes to fund their addiction and Tondo’s police officers are doing nothing about the problem.

The parents identified the supplier of the machines as “Gina,” who is protected by “Rene,” a retired Manila policeman.

They alleged that illegal gambling operations continue to flourish in Tondo due to the protection given by some police and barangay officials.