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| Overnight gambling near City Hall bus stop prompted police action |
By Daisy CL Mandap
The Consulate is again warning Filipinos in Hong Kong against gambling in public, in the wake of
recent reports of stepped-up police patrols in known black spots in Central.
On Aug 19, the police reportedly approached a group of
Filipinos who were congregating in Chater
Garden
Danny Baldon, officer at the assistance to nationals section
of the Consulate, said another group that appeared to play for high stakes on
the footbridge above the same site, had already been told off by the police
only recently.
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| Gamblers were driven away from footbridge leading to United Centre in Admiralty |
“Kailangan siguro na maglabas na naman kami ng warning sa
mga nagsusugal at baka mag-umpisa na namang manghuli ang mga pulis,” Baldon
said.
He acknowledged receiving a report just the other weekend of
heavy betting among a group of Ilonggos near the City Hall in Central.
According to the report, the gambling started on Saturday, Aug 11, and lasted
until the next day, when more Filipino helpers took part because they were off
work.
Those acting as bankers were reportedly two men, an Indian
and a Filipino, who were also reportedly lending money on site to losing
bettors so they would be encouraged to continue gambling even after using up
all their cash.
Also known as favorite gambling areas among Filipinos are
the HSBC Headquarters on Des Voeux
Road St Joseph Garden Road Edinburgh Place
Baldon said Filipinos should take care not to be caught
gambling in public as they could be arrested, and in the process, lose their
jobs.
Just last year, the Hong Kong Police enlisted the help of
the Filipino community in its effort to stamp out crime, including illegal
gambling.
