Moreno says anti-gambling task force has no power to arrest, search private property

By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent

MAYOR Oscar Moreno over the weekend advised members of the Task Force on Illegal Gambling to be careful in conducting raids, reminding them that the group has no police powers.

It was Moreno who created the task force in order to deal with the problem on illegal gambling operations in the city.

“Walay problima sa ako kon mag-operate sila. Pero ako silang gi-ingnan nga kon dunay ilang operation, it should be a police operation, ug  dili sa task force kay wala man kami police powers. We cannot take  the law in our own hands,” Moreno said.

On Thursday, the task force’s chairman, Councilor Zaldy Ocon, and the group’s members met with Moreno and informed the mayor that they were prepared to carry out anti-illegal gambling operations in the city. Those who met with Moreno included retired Chief Insp. Roque Marban, president of a local lotto agents’ group, and task force spokesperson Benjamin Rada, also a retired policeman.

Moreno said he made it clear to the group that the city hall task force has no legal authority to arrest anyone or conduct raids.

“Kanang task force, we cannot arrest, we cannot enforce. We don’t have the authority. We have to remember that  no one is above the law. Subay lang gihapon ta sa balaod,” Moreno said.

Moreno also said that he reminded the group that arrests and searches can only be made if there are arrest and search warrants.

He said he told the group, “Let us not be deluded  into thinking nga na-a tay task force, puede na dayon mang-raid bisag asa. Ayaw sab, dili pwede na,” he said.