World

Cebu mayor's brod 'blocks' raid

by Babel-Fish | July 17, 2009 at 07:05 pm

123 views | 4 Recommendations | 1 comment

CEBU CITY -- Operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) were reportedly blocked after confiscating illegal gambling paraphernalia at the back of the Compostela Public Market Thursday afternoon.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Jesus Gaquing said he is waiting for the official report from the PIB to find out if Gilbert Wagas, brother and political consultant of Compostela Mayor Ritchie Wagas, intervened and tried to stop them from carrying out their operation.

Gambling is a favored pass time here in the Philippines for some Filipino's, I have seen the gambling that goes on in Compestela Cebu (I used to live there) and many other places. The police normally turn a blind eye until a local politician comes under fire by the public, in many cases the local politicians have links to illegal gambling or even run numbers operations. Its all part of the corruption that is deeply embedded in the culture. Mayor's do protect family that get into trouble with the police very often such happenings are reported in the local newspapers.

This story is no surprise to me, Gambling is rife in the Philippines perhaps as nothing can be done to stop it it would be best to regulate it and make it legal?

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Babel-Fish

at 19:17 on July 17th, 2009

There is government controlled casino's and a national lottery the illegal gambling is concentrated on the poor that can not afford high stakes or to go to a casino. Cockfighting is controlled however illegal cockfighting can be seen in many small hamlets out side of the cities and towns.

The police seemingly can not control or want to control many of these illegal pursuits and some policemen are corrupt and involved. The government tries to stamp illegal gambling out but even at the very top of the ladder seemingly many politicians are also involved in such illegal activity or even running gambling syndicates.