Cebu councilor, cop nabbed for gambling

A municipal councilor and a policewoman were arrested in simultaneous anti-gambling operations in Cordova, Cebu on Thursday.

Cordova Councilor Lemuel Pogoy and Police Officer 2 Cyerelle Marie Bayate were apprehended while playing slot machines at the Mactan Island Resort & Casino in Barangay Marigondon and at Crown Regency’s Casino Filipino in Barangay Sta. Cruz, respectively.

Bayate, a member of the Parian police station 1, was also caught in possession of a .38-caliber revolver.

“She has yet to give an explanation,” Superintendent Reyman Tolentin, Central Visayas police spokesman, said in a text message.

Pogoy and Bayate are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decrees 1067-B and 1869, which prohibit government officials, uniformed personnel, students and minors from playing in casinos.

Bayate is also facing charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Earlier this week, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairperson Andrea Domingo unveiled a sign at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque warning government workers to stay out of gambling places.

The warning is in line with President Duterte’s Memorandum Circular 6, which reiterates that government officials and employees are banned from playing in casinos and other gambling places under existing laws.

“The President wants to fulfill his promise to fight corruption. Gambling is associated with corruption,” Dela Rosa said.

He said police officers caught gambling also face dismissal from the service.