THE recent death of a Tanapag poker attendant raised to nearly 30 the number of unsolved murder cases in the commonwealth.
At least three of these cases involved poker arcades, and this is why Gov. Juan N. Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente want the more than 100 poker machine establishments on Saipan, Tinian and Rota to install security surveillance systems.
“The homicides taking place all over the poker establishments are very alarming. We want to deal with them in a way that could prevent similar incidents from occurring,” Babauta said during his weekly Friday morning radio program.
Babauta said they would call for a meeting with all poker machine owners and operators to suggest the installation of these security systems.
“We want to create a safer environment for poker machine operators,” Babauta said.
He said there should be surveillance cameras mounted on strategic locations and security guards detailed at each poker arcade.
But the governor said “arming” the poker arcade employees is not an option.
The administration will not “go that far,” he said.
