Gaming machines seized from Basak San Nicolas

CEBU, Philippines - Eleven video game machines were seized by the police Sunday dawn in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

Elements of the Cebu City Intelligence Branch (CIB) conducted the operation through a tip they received from city and barangay officials.

Intelligence Chief Romeo Santander said that aside from the 11 bingo machines, seven men were also arrested during the operation after they were caught playing an illegal toss coin game. 

The makeshift gaming center was located inside a compound, which reportedly caters to both the young and old players, alarming locals. 

“The machines that we have discovered are new kinds. We haven’t seen anything like it before,” Santander said.

A representative of the owner, however, told reporters yesterday that what the police did was illegal because the owner reportedly has a permit acquired from City Hall and Department of Trade and Industry, among others, “legalizing” the operation.

Stickers signed by the Cebu City treasurer Ofelia Oliva and Mayor Michael Rama can also be found on each machine.

Santander said the documents presented are all legitimate only that they are not enough.

“We don’t question the authority of the city hall but they (machine owner) should submit a certification that their machines are under video games,” he said.

Santander also said that aside from playing with the machines, the patrons were also engaged in a betting game, which was clearly illegal. 

The new video machines reportedly work only with special tokens provided by operators to their patrons for money. Despite their location, the machines resemble those of gaming machines located inside malls.  

Santander assured that the machines will be returned to the owner once the necessary permits are completed. He said the operation is part of the intensified campaign against the proliferation of video karera and similar activities.  (FREEMAN)