Basketball games in Barangay Malabago, Mangaldan, Pangasinan, have drawn attention not just for the sport, but for the high-stakes betting involved.

Wagers of up to P20,000 are allegedly placed during these games, leading barangay officials to ban the use of the covered court temporarily.

“Binawalan talaga namin sila, mga dayo sila, mula sa iba’t-ibang barangay. Hindi ko sila kilala,” Barangay Chairwoman Myla Muyargas said.

The court was closed for a few weeks after the discovery, but it has since been reopened with stricter monitoring.

Officials are now keeping a close eye on the players to prevent further gambling.

“Sabi ko sa kanila, bawal dito ‘yang sugal. Umuwi na kayo kung magsusugal kayo,” Muyargas said.

Residents, like Marilyn Martinez, supports the ban.

“Masama ang sugal kaya dapat lang na ibawal dito,” she said.

Barangay officials have warned that they will report any future betting incidents to the police.