Up to 17 videokarera machines were confiscated
and eventually destroyed by the Muntinlupa Police and security forces in an
effort to curb illegal gambling activities within the City.
Mayor Jaime
R. Fresnedi led in the smashing of the confiscated machines after the regular flag ceremony, making sure that the motherboards of the said
machines were totally destroyed to render them unusable.
“These
machines only serve to distract our citizens, especially our youth, by forcing
them to spend their money recklessly in gambling instead of using it for their
own livelihood,” Fresnedi said. “These operations may also be used to fuel
illegal activities such as peddling drugs and other banned substances, which
may eventually contribute to harming Muntinlupeños, which is why we want these
machines out of our City.”
Fresnedi also
pointed out that in most cases, these machines are located close to schools,
further distracting students and causing them to cut their classes or spend
their allowance needlessly.
The owners of
the said machines are facing charges of illegal gambling and operating business
without a permit.
Aside from tightening the noose on illegal
gambling, Fresnedi likewise directed the City’s security and safety services to
properly implement traffic regulations, the Helmet Law, anti-jaywalking
measures, and anti-littering rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all
citizens on and off the road.
