Gamboa to QCPD chief: Crack down on illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Irked by reports of rampant illegal gambling in Quezon City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief warned yesterday the city police director to curb the criminal activity or be relieved of his post.

“We’ll give a deadline to the district director and if he cannot get rid of illegal gambling in Quezon City, we will look for someone else who can,” Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said.

Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo heads the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), which had been criticized in the past over the alleged existence of jueteng and loteng – both illegal numbers games – in the city.

Even in his previous capacity as officer-in-charge of the PNP, Gamboa had been known for warning police officials he will impose severe administrative sanctions if they get involved in the protection of illegal activities such as gambling and drug trafficking.

“For those erring PNP personnel, you will be reprimanded, castigated or be dismissed from the service,” he warned.

Gamboa appealed to the public to provide the PNP leadership with information on corrupt police officers who are on the take from gambling operators and other criminals.

Yesterday, police arrested five persons allegedly caught playing cara y cruz, another illegal game played on the street, in Barangay Bagbag, Quezon City, at around 7:40 a.m.

Renzo Mendoza, 23; Arjay Vicente, 29; Danny Matunding, 40; Jare-ar Manga, 26; and Jerome Agarin, 26, yielded P3,000 in cash bets and are facing illegal gambling charges.