ONE of the largest Protestant churches in Cagayan de Oro, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and several evangelical groups have joined a united front of religious organizations to prevent a newly opened gambling casino in a neighboring town in Misamis Oriental from resuming operations once the government downgrades the Covid-19 pandemic alert level in the province.
The church leaders signed a position paper in time for the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, which started at the beginning of this month.
The position paper called on the members of the religious groups to work together in stopping the operation of the Grand Imperial Casino that was opened by the Gokongwei-owned Universal Hotel and Resort, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation in Barangay Taboc, Opol town before Christmas.
At least eight influential religious leaders in Cagayan de Oro signed the Ecumenical and Interfaith Statement of Concern.
They are Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma; Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Jose Cabantan; Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Felixberto Calang of Cagayan de Oro; IFI Bishop Redeemer Yanez of the Diocese of Libertad, Misamis Oriental; Bishop Genesis Udang of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches-Peace and Reconciliation Council; Bishop Ligaya Flores San Francisco of the UCCP Northwest Mindanao Jurisdiction; UCCP District Conference of Northern Mindanao Minister Mario Ebora; and Cagayan de Oro Evangelical Ministers Association President Dr. Nasalli Silava.
The casino had its soft opening in late December 2021 and was supposed to have its grand opening in January last January, but a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro forced the government to place these areas under the more restrictive Alert Level 3.
Under the Alert Level 3 category, casinos, bars, and other similar establishments are not allowed to operate forcing the Grand Imperial Casino to temporarily shut down.
The national Covid-19 Inter-Agency Task Force has extended the Alert Level 3 until February 15.
In their joint statement, the religious leaders noted that the casino was opened without public consultation and was operated near churches.
“We call on the (local government) of Opol to resolve this issue by taking comprehensive action that would benefit,” the statement reads in part.
Misamis Oriental Provincial Board Member Gerardo Sabal said the province’s legislative council would convene as a committee of the while and pass a resolution, stating its position on the casino next week.
On January 11, the provincial board chaired by Vice Governor Jeremy Jonahmar Pelaez found that the casino was allowed to operate even without a business permit, safety inspection certificates, and other requirements.
