Lapu's ABC chief denies village officials are behind video karera operation

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) of Lapu-Lapu City has strongly denied reports that some barangay officials are protecting the operation of illegal gambling machines in their area.

Leo Mercado, Lapu-Lapu City's ABC president, said there is no truth to such rumors, as from the start they have been supportive to the current administration's campaign against all forms of illegal gambling especially those that involve the video karera.

Mercado's statement came following reports that the operation of video karera has been openly tolerated in some villages of Lapu-Lapu City, as this allegedly has the protection of some barangay officials. Mercado, who is barangay chief of Pajo, told The FREEMAN that they (all barangay captains) have already pledged their support to Radaza to help her fight against the illegal gambling in their city during their meeting recently.

And as a manifestation of this support, the ABC chief said they have been assisting the city police in surveillance and monitoring activities against illegal gambling. From January to October this year, the team confiscated 28 video karera machines. These were destroyed in front of the police station last week.

Leading the destruction of the machines were Radaza, police chief Senior Supt. Anthony Obenza, Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong and Mercado.

Radaza said she directed the police to focus their campaign against video karera because of the complaints raised by parents whose children were addicted by this illegal gambling game.