Manila’s top cops summoned to council hearing on illegal gambling

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Several police officials were invited by the Manila City Council to a public hearing on Monday in connection with a resolution calling for a probe on alleged proliferation of illegal gambling in the city.

“It has been observed that many residents, particularly within the area of responsibility of Station 2 of the Manila Police District, engage in illegal horse race betting, jueteng, loteng, bingo and other forms of illegal gambling,” said the resolution filed by Councilor Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio.

It noted that “the present administration does not tolerate petty crimes and crimes that disturb moral senses and decency.”

“There is a need to conduct an investigation to determine the responsibility and malfeasance of the officers of Station 2 and minimize, if not eradicate, the proliferation of games of chances in the area,” the resolution said.

From the MPD headquarters, the invited officials were the district director, Chief Superintendent Rolando Asuncion; chief of the District Intelligence Division, Supt. Villamor Tuliao; chief of the District Directorial Staff, Senior Supt. Gilbert Cruz; and the deputy district director for operation, Senior Supt. Joel Coronel.

The oversight committee also sent invitations to the head of Manila Action and Special Assignment, Chief Inspector Bernabe Irinco and Manila Barangay Bureau officer in charge Jesus Payad.

RELATED STORIES

Estrada says ‘jueteng’ covered by crackdown on illegal gambling 

Estrada to crack down on all forms of illegal gambling, except jueteng