PNP tags 7 regions in illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from Metro Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday named seven regions in the country that have rampant illegal gambling activities.

The PNP said these regions are Bicol, Cagayan, Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Ilocos and Western Visayas.

While the PNP has monitored illegal gambling operations in Mindanao, these are not as rampant compared to the activities in Luzon and the Visayas, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said.

The PNP has intensified operations against all forms of illegal gambling such as video karera and jueteng, particularly in Metro Manila.

“Kapag natigil dito sa Kalakhang Maynila ang illegal na sugal, inaasahan natin na mapapatigil din natin sa ibang mga regions (If we can stop illegal gambling in Metro Manila, we can also stop the same in other regions), Banac said over radio station dzBB.

He urged local governments units and the religious sector to help curb illegal
gambling, saying the PNP cannot do it alone.

“We need the help of the local government because
the problem on illegal gambling is very complex,” Banac said, adding the church is needed in the spiritual and moral reformation of people addicted to gambling.

The PNP is not ruling out the possibility that corrupt police officers are protecting gambling operators.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa has sacked several police commanders for failing to eradicate illegal gambling activities in their jurisdictions.

Among those recently relieved in Metro Manila are three chiefs of police and eight police community precinct commanders.

Banac urged lawmakers to craft laws that would help poor families bury their dead without having to raise funds by holding gambling activities during wakes.

He said all forms of gambling, including during wakes, are covered by PNP law enforcement operations.

While he said the PNP sympathizes with the indigents, it has to implement the law.