39 video karera machines confiscated in February

At least 39 video karera machines were confiscated by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in February.

NCRPO chief Director Avelino Razon Jr. said video karera operation in the metropolis was significantly crippled since he ordered his 37 station commanders to confiscate a machine each day last month.

"This is a continuing process. I’m confident of our success, especially with barangay officials now on our side," Razon told The Star in an interview.

A two-page accomplishment report of Superintendent Napoleon Taas, NCRPO intelligence chief, showed that the police also confiscated four banned video fruit games and P1,513 cash bets during the period.

The Northern Police District (NPD) under Chief Superintendent Noe Wong topped all police stations in the NCR with 16 confiscated machines. This was closely followed by the Western Police District (WPD) with 14.

The Southern and Central Police District (CPD) had confiscated eight and five confiscated machines, respectively, while the Regional Intelligence and Special Operations Office (RISOO) got four.

The Eastern Police District (EPD), headed by Chief Superintendent Oscar Valenzuela, did not confiscate any video karera machine but he said this was due to the strong opposition of local government units in Mandaluyong, Marikina and Pasig and the municipality of San Juan.

Meanwhile, Taas said Pateros police chief certified the non-existence of video karera as well as other vices in his town.

Razon said he will send operatives of the District Intelligence and Investigation Division (DIID) to the EPD and Pateros to determine the veracity of the reports.

At least 50 policemen were earlier tagged as financiers and protectors of the banned illegal machines. At least 15 policemen were sacked and reassigned to the NCRPO’s Regional Security and Service Group (RSSG).

The NCRPO chief ordered Taas to closely monitor the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa amid reports that video karera operations will resume operations this week.