Bon-as, Comafay push Tabuk-wide ban vs alleged ‘drop ball’ gambling; Violators to be fined up to P5,000

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — City Councilors Jayferson G. Bon-as and Atty. Errol B. Comafay Jr. are pushing joint legislative and law-enforcement action against a reported “drop ball” gambling activity at the Bulanao Public Market, with a proposed citywide ban already advancing in the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Bon-as, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Peace and Order, authored a proposed ordinance seeking to prohibit the operation, management, promotion and patronage of drop ball and similar games of chance throughout Tabuk City.

The measure passed second reading during the 7th City Council Regular Session on September 15 and was approved on final reading, according to the council.

The proposed ordinance came after Comafay raised concerns over the reported gambling activity at the Bulanao Public Market and posted photos and videos of the alleged operation on Facebook on September 9.

Comafay said the activity reportedly stopped after the post circulated online.

During the October 9 Committee on Peace and Order meeting, Bon-as explained that he filed the ordinance after personally seeing the reported activity.

“Nu apay nga nai-file ko daytoy di damo, siyak metlang ket nakitak dayta ket isu nga nagfile ak ti ordinance from the existing one,” Bon-as said.

Comafay, meanwhile, confirmed that he recorded the video that circulated online after receiving complaints from residents.

He said the proposed measure was intended to prevent similar activities from recurring, particularly because the reported gambling site was in a public area where children could be present.

“Ti rason met nga nag-file tayo ket sapay kuma nga haanen nga maulit didayen ta adda iti publiko, especially dagiti ubbing. Ustu na kuman, haanen kuman nga maulit didayen. Madama metten ti imbestigasyon ti PNP,” Comafay said.

Police found no activity during inspection

Tabuk City police said they immediately validated the report following Comafay’s social media post and inspected the reported venue on September 8, but found no gambling activity there.

PCpt. Ernesto Gayyad said police continued their investigation to identify individuals who may have been involved.

“Upon verification ket awan ti nadanunan idiay venue,” Gayyad said.

He added that police monitoring continued and that, as of his latest statement, the reported operator had not returned to the site.

PCpt. Arnel Gonayon, commander of the Bulanao Police Sub-Station, also said police would continue monitoring the area and urged residents to report similar activities directly to authorities.

A representative of Barangay Bulanao, Jerald Cobangon, said barangay personnel also went to the reported location to verify the complaint but found no activity.

The barangay subsequently prepared a certification regarding its verification.

Fines, permit sanctions proposed

Bon-as’ proposed ordinance covers the operation, financing, promotion and patronage of drop ball and similar games of chance.

Among the prohibited acts are operating or managing gambling activities, allowing premises to be used for such activities, placing bets, recruiting participants and possessing gambling paraphernalia intended for gambling.

The proposed measure sets fines of ₱1,000 to ₱5,000 for violations, with establishments and operators potentially facing suspension or revocation of business permits, subject to due process and applicable laws.

Although the measure has already advanced through the legislative process, it still has to complete the remaining requirements before it can be enacted and take effect.

The reported gambling activity remains subject to investigation, with police and barangay authorities continuing to monitor the area.

Bon-as’ proposed citywide prohibition and Comafay’s earlier call for an inquiry both aim to prevent the reported activity from resurfacing in Tabuk, particularly in public areas accessible to residents and children.