Manila police seizes 75 video karera machines across city

Some of the video karera machines seized by the Manila police in operations across the city. Photo by Faye Orellana/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — At least 75 video karera (horse racing video game) machines were confiscated by the local government of Manila during a two-day operation across the city.

Manila Police Chief Brigadier General Vicente Danao Jr. said Wednesday that the confiscations of the karera machines were part of the “relentless campaign” of the police to rid Manila of illegal activities.

Even before assuming office as the new city mayor, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso vowed to launch a campaign against illegal activities in the city, such as gambling, extortion activities by police officers, and operations of video karera machines.

“Ito yung prina-priority number one ni Mayor dahil ito yung nakakasira sa ating mga kabataan. Dito nalululong yung mga bata eh,” Danao said in an interview before the destruction of the gambling machines.

During the confiscation of the machines around Manila on Tuesday, police arrested some teenagers playing the video karera machines. The minors however were immediately released.

Of the 75 video karera machines seized, 65 are functioning.

Police said except for the televisions, the video karera machines will be destroyed. Police has recommended to Moreno that the televisions be donated to schools instead.

“I would recommend kay Mayor mamaya na kung yung TV naman ay pwede pang gamitin, e baka pwede nating i-contribute nalang sa mga eskwelahan,” he said.

The coins inside the seized gambling machines will also be donated by police to charity.

“Siguro ico-contribute natin sa ating less fortunate na mga kapatid,” said Danao.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)