THE Police Regional Office (PRO) Davao is taking the operation against illegal gambling more seriously through a stricter measure.

Policemen were also warned against taking bribery from illegal gambling operators.

In a press conference Monday, February 10, PRO-Davao director Police Brigadier General Filmore Escobal said his order is part of the directive coming from the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Archie Francisco Gamboa’s No Take Policy on illegal gambling activities.

Escobal ordered all provincial directors, city directors of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and chief of police to adhere to this directive eliminating illegal gambling in the region and help the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to increase its revenue.

Aside from helping the PCSO, they also want to prevent the youth from engaging in illegal gambling activities.

Escobal reiterated the warning of Gamboa on the strict implementation of zero-tolerance against video karera and other forms of illegal gambling activities.

“Mahigpit kong ipinapatupad ang kampanya laban sa illegal gambling sa ating rehiyon. Kaya mas paigtingin natin ang kampanya laban sa mga iligal na pasugalan lalo na’t ito ay nagiging dahilan upang makagawa ng iba pang kriminal na gawain. Hinikayat natin ang publiko na tulungan kami sa kompaya laban sa illegal gambling,” Escobal said.

He added that the order against prohibiting uniformed men from placing bets in cockfights and entering casinos. He urged the public to provide the police information backed with evidence to apprehend immediately illegal gamblers including erring policemen to their hotline number 0917-707-8547.

Escobal also warned his personnel to refuse bribery attempts from illegal gambling operators.

“If I receive a report that illegal gambling is ongoing in your area, much more that you or your men are taking or receiving gifts in cash or in-kind from illegal gambling operators; expect that you will be considered for immediate relief for failure to comply this directive,” Escobal said.

Administrative charges are waiting for those who will be proven guilty for violating the “No Take Policy” of the PNP.

Policemen in Davao City are in close watch against Small Town Lottery (STL) operators illegally operating in Davao City. STL operations have not yet resumed in the city.

“Walang authorized na licensing [in Davao City] because if there’s no STL in Davao City, there might be some guerilla operations of illegal gambling. I am directing the city director to intensify operation against illegal gambling in Davao City,” Escobal said.