Monday, May 05, 2008 Pampanga police renew war on illegal gambling
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) has reactivated its "Oplan Roulette" in response to the call for a renewed action against all forms of illegal gambling.
In his memorandum to all chiefs of police in the province, Pampanga PPO officer-in-charge (OIC) Senior Superintendent Keith Ernald Singian directed the renewed activation of "Oplan Roulette" -- an operational plan to apprehend big-time operators of various forms of illegal gambling.
Singian also issued his stern warning among field commanders that they will be relieved from their posts if they fail to weed out all forms of illegal gambling in their respective areas.
"I will harshly deal with these rouged policemen if evidence warrants them lending or providing protection or receiving benefits in any manner in the operation of illegal gambling," Singian said.
The Pampanga PPO chief said he had directed Superintendent Elvis Diaz, deputy provincial director for operations, to tap the Intelligence Branch "to validate the veracity of reports on alleged reports of involvement of some police ranks on illegal gambling acting as coddlers or protectors of operators."
"I also sought for the active participation of the community in giving us salient information on the location of illegal gambling operations and their corresponding operators as well. This I also stress that we cannot do it alone, we also need the community participation," said Singian.
From January to April this year, he said a total of 16 operations were initiated by the provincial police force wherein 29 suspects engaged in different forms of illegal gambling, as an operator, bettor or players were apprehended.
He said all cases were filed in the courts for Violation of Republic Act (RA) 9287, otherwise known as "An act increasing the penalties for Illegal Numbers Game, amending certain provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) 1602."
"The provincial police force is not remiss or neglectful of their duties and responsibilities particularly on matters of national interest," the provincial police chief said.
Singian said the Pampanga PPO "is doubling-up efforts to effect the apprehension of all Wanted persons in the province." This, according to him, is one of the thrusts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy to amplify apprehensions of wanted persons with warrant of arrests in adherence to Letter of Instructions Manhunt Bravo.
At least eight of the Top Most Wanted Persons (MWP) were arrested in different municipalities of the province during the first quarter of this year.
The suspects were wanted for crimes of murder, rape, robbery, estafa and physical injuries. (MHD)
