Bicol police anti-illegal gambling drive in high gear

Legazpi City (22 January) — With barely two weeks of intensified anti-illegal gambling operations, a total of 409 individuals were arrested some P53,613, believed to be bet money, were confiscated by police operatives across Bicol region.

Bicol PNP acting Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Cecilio B. Calleja, Jr., said the feat has manifested police’s resolve and commitment to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling activities in the region.

The operation has resulted to the filing of criminal charges now pending and being tried in various courts in the region, against persons involved including their financiers.

Among those considered gambling offenses defined and penalized under RA 9287 (illegal gambling) are Card Games, Pula Puti, Cara y Cruz, Fruit Game Machines, Sakla, Illegal Cockfighting, Lotteng and Jueteng.

With this successful no non-sense drive against illegal gambling, PNP Bicol is sending the message and warning against would-be violators that law enforcers will never get tired of enforcing the law and without feat and favor.

“For police commanders who cannot perform the task of stopping gambling activities in their turf will be replaced by those capable and willing to accomplish the task,” Calleja stressed. (PRO V/PIA)