IT IS a common sight in every wake to see a bunch of people playing cards but Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reminded Dabawenyos anew of the prohibition of conducting illegal gambling even during wakes or vigils.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, November 6, DCPO Director Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft said he will enforce the law regardless of the purpose of the gambling activity, following the apprehension of a police officer and three auxiliaries who were caught during an entrapment operation for extortion after offering protection in exchange of favor.
"We have patrollers every night na pinagbabawal po all forms of illegal gambling within Davao City. Our mandate is to enforce the law, so we will enforce the law no matter kung sino ang tatamaan, basta illegal gambling," Kraft said.
The wake usually runs for days and families allow gambling to serve as a past time to keep them entertained or to raise funds to cover the burial cost. It has become a tradition among Filipinos especially for the grieving family to keep them awake during night time while watching over their deceased family members.
Kraft, however, said illegal gambling activities, such as card games, mahjong, and hantak, among others, will no longer be tolerated under his watch.
Violators will be meted with a case for violation of the Republic Act 9287, or the law against illegal numbers games and Presidential Decree 1602 or the illegal gambling law.
"We will arrest them and file necessary case didto sa mga suspects na ma-iinvolve sa illegal gambling," Kraft added.