Crackdown on gambling starts

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

POLICE director for northern Mindanao Noel Constantino on Saturday ordered a region-wide crackdown on illegal gambling ahead of National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa’s impending declaration of “war.”

Chief Supt. Constantino issued the directive to various city and provincial  police directors to start the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling operations in the region.

He said dela Rosa has already made several public pronouncements about the impending war on illegal gambling after its war on illegal drugs.

“We will not wait for the directive from National Headquarters which is already forthcoming. We will start now, and gradually, with increasing intensity, launch our all-out campaign in northern Mindanao” Constantino said.

He said Camp Alagar would have an oversight committee that would monitor and evaluate the work of all police units in Region 10.

“Those who will not take action will be relieved, replaced and subjected to investigation,” Constantino said.

He also directed police commanders to notify local  government  executives about the crackdown, and ask them to help by conducting information campaigns  against illegal gambling activities.

In some areas, Constantino said, drug lords also serve as financiers of illegal gambling operations.

“The crackdown on illegal  gambling  operations will also deprive the drug lords the money they derive from illegal gambling,” Constantino said. “We will enforce the law without fear or favor, will hold our ground and will not allow ourselves to be pressured by any person or entity. We have the will and the skill to succeed in this campaign.”

Camp Alagar spokesman Supt. Surki Sereñas said, “A portion of the police force will be dedicated for this purpose  while other personnel will sustain the campaign against illegal drugs.”