MANILA, Philippines — Revoking the order of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa has allowed gambling during wakes.
Gambling during wakes are allowed provided there are only two tables one for card games and the other for the tile-based game mahjong, Gamboa said yesterday.
“All other games, including bingo, will not be allowed para klaro tayo,” he said.
Gamboa’s directive, in effect, revoked the order of NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas banning all forms of gambling during wakes.
“Pero balik pa rin tayo doon sa one table per game, maximum of two tables,” the PNP chief said.
Gamboa said he arrived at the decision following a discussion with ranking police officials.
Gambling sessions are normal during wakes to keep a 24-hour vigil over the dead until the burial.
Wakes are being used by the relatives of the dead as opportunities to hold gambling sessions.
Gamboa said they would seek the opinion of local chief executives on the issue. If there is no response, he said it would become the PNP’s policy.
The PNP also allowed cockfights on the condition that the games are held in cockpit arenas authorized by local government units.