Irked by reports on the proliferation of illegal gambling and illicit vices in Quezon City, local authorities vowed Sunday to impose stiff fines and conduct other appropriate action against the protectors and syndicates involved in illegal gambling.

Councilor Jaime Borres of the Third District of Quezon City said he will meet with police authorities and barangay officials to discuss plans on how to close down gambling dens masquerading as legitimate Internet and computer shops.

He said concerned citizens earlier trooped to his office complaining that their children have not been attending their classes regularly and spending their school hours instead in computer shops near schools and churches.

The complainants, mostly parents of public high school students, said the Internet shops have been invaded by youthful gang members involved in lawlessness casting bad influences to their children.

“Alam natin na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. I will meet with Gen. Elmo San Diego and the concerned barangay chairmen to discuss the matter. Malaking problema ito,” Borres said.

One of the complaining parents said teenage gang members have taught his son how to use drugs, drink liquor, cut classes, gamble and extort money from other students in their community.

“Malaki ang pagkukulang ko bilang ina. Pagod at abala ako sa paghahanapbuhay mula ng maging byuda ako. Hindi ko masyadong namonitor ang gawain ng panganay ko. Di naman napariwara ang mga kapatid niya. Bukod tanging siya lang ang nagkaganon. Wala akong katuwang sa pagpapalaki sa kanila. Apat kasi silang binubuhay ko,’’ the sobbing mother said.

Borres said he will closely monitor Internet shops operating in the city, vowing to facilitate the closure of those that continue to defy the legal orders of the city government.

He cautioned the gambling lords and protectors, including some rogue policemen and barangay personnel, to mend their ways or face the stiffest possible sanctions like fines and prison terms.

When asked if this is a serious anti-gambling campaign, Borres said part of the duty of being an elected government official is to enforce the law equally regardless of the proximity of the election period.

“I may lose some votes. But I have to do what is right. I cannot be held hostage by the unprincipled and shady characters of the society. I am answerable to the law-abiding citizens who put me in power,’’ Borres said.