Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered anew the Baguio City Police Office to stop drop ball operations in the city.
The mayor also urged the barangays to do their part in making sure that their bingo social activities will not be used as front for illegal gambling.
“Ipaparating natin yan sa Philippine National Police. Papaaksyunan natin ‘yan sa ating kapulisan ngayong araw na ito,” the mayor told the media June 2.
“Gayundin, ako ay nakikiusap sa ating mga barangay na gumawa ng resolution para mag-fund-raising sila through bingo social, sana tingnan n’yo rin mabuti dahil kayo ang humingi sa akin ng tulong para apruban ko ang mga resolution. Tingnan n’yo na bingo social ang pinag-usapan natin at wala nang ibang halo,” he added.
The mayor said he has no qualms over bingo social activities as these help the barangay raise funds to procure needed equipment like computers and CCTVs.
“Ang problema, bingo ang nasa harapan pero sa likod dropball,” he said.
In September 2019, the mayor nearly rejected bingo social fund-raising proposal from barangays due to similar reported incidents of bingo-cum-drop ball conduct.
However after considering the plight of the barangays needing funds to sustain their programs, the mayor agreed with Association of Barangay Councils president Councilor Michael Lawana to allow bingo social subject to strict compliance with Administrative Order 79 s. 2012, which sets the guidelines on bingo social activities.
As per the AO issued during the term of former mayor Mauricio Domogan, the barangays are required to submit a resolution and a project proposal detailing where the event’s proceeds will go and an after-activity audited financial report.
No persons below 18 years of age will be allowed to play or loiter around the place and that prizes must all be in-kind.
As per the ABC endorsement, the bingo social activities must be confined within the premises of the barangay and must not include any other kind of illegal gambling or games.
The Baguio City Police Office was tasked to monitor the activities to ensure that no gambling activities or illegal games are allowed.
Apart from this, the barangay must ensure that peace and order and sanitation are observed within the premises.
Violation of any of the conditions would automatically revoke the endorsement. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
