Espino: Illegal gambling in region can be quashed in fifteen days

CEBU, Philippines - After the 15-day ultimatum given by Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald Dela Rosa to eradicate illegal gambling, the Central Visayas police director has assured this will be achieved.

“We will achieve that target, the order now is to totally eradicate,” said Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino, director of Police Regional Office.

Dela Rosa in his speech last July 31 had said that if the directive is not achieved, he will relieve the directors and station commanders in charge.

“Actually yung kautusan ni Chief PNP on war against illegal gambling, naibigay na ito right upon my assumption, kaya yung sinasabi nating 15 days, it started July 24 pa,” Espino said.

“Ito naman ay mandato natin to stop all forms of illegal gambling, we directed our provincial directors, city directors to the same, we will know if there are complaints of illegal- gambling,” Espino added.

Cebu City Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Joel Doria said that during Oplan Pokemon, a total of 90 personalities were arrested for violations of Republic Act 9287 and 506 for Presidential Decree 1602. “Yes ma’am, meron po tayong directives sa mga station commanders natin to intensify operations against illegal gambling and for them to issue certification na wala ng illegal gambling sa area of responsibility nila,” Doria said.

Cebu Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Eric Noble said that even before the directive was given, the province had already intensified its operations to curb illegal gambling in Cebu. (FREEMAN)