Cebu City beefs up illegal gambling ops
Mayor Nestor Archival ordered the Cebu City Police to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling and verify operator permits.Summary
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has directed the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to intensify its enforcement against illegal gambling and to closely verify that all gambling operators and establishments, particularly those involved in STL, Lotto, e-Sabong, and cockfighting, have the required permits and authorizations under the law. The directive was issued during a police briefing on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The move comes amid ongoing questions at City Hall regarding the legal authority for traditional cockfighting held during barangay fiestas. Councilor Alvin Arcilla had filed a resolution seeking legal clarification on this issue after about 50 people were arrested for illegal gambling during a recent fiesta event, despite the organizer reportedly having a city permit. Mayor Archival's instruction is to ensure all current operations, especially cockfighting, comply with existing city ordinances like Ordinance 1447 and its amendment.
(Source：SunStar Philippines)