Relief of cops coddling video karera operators sought

Alarmed over the proliferation of video karera machines in Metro Manila and in the provinces, the head of the anti-gambling task force created by Interior Secretary Joey Lina is seeking the relief of police officials found coddling its operators.

"They (police officials) have no business staying in their posts once they are found abetting the operations of video karera machines in their jurisdiction," said Chief Superintendent Manuel Cabigon, the anti-gambling task force head.

Cabigon noted that the operations of video karera operators in Manila identified as Boboy Go, Romy Gutierrez, Randy Sy, Boy R., and a certain Sacho and an alias Benny A. in Quezon City are left untouched by local policemen even if its existence is being reported daily in the media.

With regard to reports reaching his office, Cabigon said that the video karera machines are now cemented to the flooring of residences housing them to prevent ‘hulidap’ cops from confiscating them.

"Hindi mo na makukumpiska ang mga machines dahil nakasemento na. Dapat diyan ay masuhin o sirain na para hindi na mapakinabangan. (You cannot confiscate these machines anymore since they are already cemented. What we have to do with these machines is to ax or totally destroy them to render these video machines useless)," Cabigon told The STAR.

The former director of the Southern Police District (SPD) admitted that video karera machines are mostly located in densely populated areas where drug addicts abound. He said by solving the problem on video karera machines, the government would also be addressing the drug addiction problem.

"I would recommend to Secretary Lina that policemen found remiss in their duties against video karera machines would immediately be yanked out of their posts," said Cabigon.

The first step, according to Cabigon is to inform the concerned station commanders or police chiefs on the presence of video karera machines in their jurisdiction. "We will assist the police officials concerned by providing them with the sketches of where the machines are located," he said.

If the information they receive is unacted upon, Cabigon said it would now be their turn to raid the place and confiscate the video karera machines and recommend before Lina the immediate relief of the police officials who have jurisdiction over these areas. – Non Alquitran