More Christian groups join fight against Opol casino

At least eight influential religious leaders in Cagayan de Oro have signed a position paper against the reopening of the Grand Imperial Casino.

The Philippines.- One of the largest Protestant churches in Cagayan de Oro, the United Church of the Christian Church of the Philippines (UCCP) and several evangelical groups have joined other religious organisations in calling on authorities to shut down the Grand Imperial Casino.

At least eight influential religious leaders in Cagayan de Oro have signed a paper calling on their members to work together to stop the PAGCOR Casino, which has temporarily closed due to Covid-19 countermeasures until at least February 15.

The joint statement reads: “We call on our churches and faith communities to work together in opposing the operation of the casino that is leading the community to immorality. We call on the LGU (local government unit) of Opol municipality to resolve this issue by taking comprehensive action that would benefit the people in the community.”

In January, authorities found Grand Imperial Casino had been operating without a business permit since it opened in December.