Mayor Mauricio Domogan reiterated the city government’s firm stand against illegal gambling as he warns bet collectors from entering the city.

On the issue of the (LGU) of Sablan, Benguet accepting the operation of Jai-Alai by Meridien Vista Gaming Corporations, gambling.

According to Domogan, the city government maintains a clear position on the issue , and he respects the decision of Sablan Local Government Unit in allowing the operation of Jai-alai in their municipality.

But he is firm in not allowing bet collectors to enter or bring their business into the city, unless they can show an authorization from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) that allows them to collect bets outside the LGU that granted them permit.

“This is what we have fully agreed and has been already disseminated to the City’s Task Force Jupiter. If Jai-alai bet collectors are seen by our police collecting bets inside the city, they must be apprehended. There is no other condition there”, Domogan said.

In line with this, Domogan also appealed to the people to refrain from entertaining or patronizing any illegal gambling activity.

“This is one problem that the city government’s anti-illegal gambling effort is facing. If only the people of Baguio will stop patronizing or betting on such gambling activity, then gambling operators would stop prying inside the city” Domogan said.

“There would be no gambling activity in the city if there were no gamblers, may it be legal or illegal” Domogan added.

Relative to this, Task Force Jupiter is also closely monitoring the operations of bingo in several barangays in the city to ensure that these would not operate as front of jueteng operations. *(JDP/LD - PIA CAR)