PNP destroys over 200 seized video karera machines

File photo of video karera machines being destroyed by authorities. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Over 200 video karera machines have been confiscated and destroyed by the Philippine National Police in line with its intensified drive against illegal gambling, an official said Monday.

At the same time, the PNP issued a strong warning against police personnel who may be serving as protectors or operators of illegal gambling.

Deputy Director General Ager Ontog Jr, Deputy Chief PNP for operations, said PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group launched a three-day police operation against illegal gambling in several areas in Region III and Region IV which resulted in the confiscation of 217 machines.

“Iniimbestigahan yan ng CIDG. Inuulit ko ang patakaran ng ating Interior Secretary Mar Roxas at ating chief PNP [Director Alan Purisima] na hindi tayo nagto-tolerate ng sino man mula sa pinakamababa hanggang sa pinakamataas na kawani ng Philippine National Police na mag-e-engage sa illegal gambling,” Ontog said.

(This will be investigated by the CIDG. I reiterate the policy of Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP chief Alan Purisima: we will not tolerate anyone – from the lowest rank to the highest personnel of the PNP – engaging in illegal gambling.)

The machines were destroyed in the presence of media men at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Ontog said these machines had victimized the youth who were forced to use their money to gamble instead of using it to buy food.

He said the money collected from the machines will be donated to the White Cross Orphanage.