NCRPO bans card games, cockfights during wakes, fiestas in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — No more card games during wakes, no more cockfights during fiestas.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said on Monday that he has issued a directive prohibiting gambling even in wakes within Metro Manila.

Sinas said cops would first approach the mourning family to stop gambling during the wake, but if the kin of the deceased refuses to obey, police will raid the wake.

“Nag-issue na ako ng directive na maski sa patay, bawal ang magsugal (I issued a directive that gambling in wakes is already prohibited),” Sinas said in a press conference in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

“Ang guidance ko, pakiusapan muna. Pagkatapos, kung ayaw saka i-raid para hindi nila masabi na wala kaming konsiderasyon (Police officers would just talk to the family of the deceased first but if they refuse to cease, then they will be raided),” he added.

The NCRPO is also looking into prohibiting gambling such as cockfights and color games during fiestas, Sinas said.

Operators would have to secure a permit from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) before they could hold gambling operations.

“Maski piyesta ng barangay ay bawal, ‘yung mga sabungan lalo na yung color games at lalo na yung saklaan (Even in fiestas in barangays, gambling will be prohibited),” the NCRPO official said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier ordered the police force to intensify its operations against illegal gambling, issuing a “one-strike” policy against police officers involved in illegal activities.

He said police officials will immediately be relieved if their members are caught being involved in illegal activities such as illegal gambling.

Recently, three Metro Manila city police chiefs, and seven-unit commanders have been relieved of their posts over their alleged failure to curb illegal gambling operations in their respective areas.