BAGUIO CITY — The capital city of Kalinga has intensified its crackdown on illegal gambling with the immediate shutdown of “drop ball” games.

Tabuk City Mayor Darwin Estrañero this week ordered the closure of all drop ball operations within city limits, citing a recent surge in crime cases which he directly linked to the proliferation of these gambling stalls.

“I do not want drop ball games in the city,” Estrañero stressed, directing the Tabuk City Police to halt operations of establishments offering the game. He pointed to the belief that gambling fuels criminal behavior, saying some individuals allegedly commit unlawful acts to support their addiction.

The mayor also warned that some operators disguise gambling as simple entertainment. Barangay officials were reminded to strictly monitor fun fairs or peryaan in their areas and prohibit gambling activities disguised as amusement.

“Let us avoid these gambling activities that may be the source of bad deeds, so perhaps crime will decrease in our city,” he said.

The move comes as the national government continues its crackdown on unlicensed online gambling platforms, while local governments across the country respond to smaller illegal gambling operations embedded in community fairs.