CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police arrested five persons for illegal gambling in the Caraga region on Sunday, July 9.
Police Regional Office-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said suspects were caught engaging in “swertres” and other illegal numbers games.
“The suspects are now charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9287, an act increasing penalties for illegal numbers games,” Labra said.
'These individuals were caught betting on number games not authorized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) here,” he said, adding: “We continue to warn our people to refrain from engaging in these illegal activities.”
Labra on Monday, July 10, ordered a unified campaign among all police units in Caraga against illegal gambling and drugs.
Unit commanders, including provincial and city directors, chiefs of the National Support Units, chiefs of police, and force commanders were directed to work hand-in-hand to curb illegal activities in their areas of responsibility.
“Our concerted drive puts premium on arresting high-value individuals, dismantling drug networks, and suppressing illicit gambling operations in accordance with our ‘no take policy.’ We have deployed more personnel to conduct thorough intelligence gathering and monitoring with the help of force multipliers,” Labra said.
Aside from joint police operations, Labra emphasized community engagement and public awareness.
“Community dialogue, public forums, and educational campaigns have been launched to foster stronger relationships between the PNP and the general public. By promoting a sense of shared responsibility, we encourage citizens to actively report any suspicious activities related to drugs or gambling.”
From July 2 to 8, 15 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted in the region. Five individuals were apprehended and 63.75 grams of suspected shabu and two grams of marijuana with a total street value of P433,740 were seized.
Ten individuals were nabbed by the Agusan del Norte Police PPO, eight by the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), and one by the Surigao del Norte PPO for illegal gambling.
Last May, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. announced an intensified crackdown against illegal gambling activities backed by a one-strike and no-take policy.