Crackdown on swertres stalls lauded

CEBU, Philippines - After conducting a spate of operations cracking down illegal swertres outlets, the Talisay City police were lauded by Association of Barangay Councils President Raul Cabañero.

Cabañero also urged the licensing division to cooperate so that many illegal outlets could be closed. He said those operating illegal swertres who failed to secure business permit will be shut down.

He added that he will stand firm on his statement that having political will could decrease the number of illegal activities in the city.

Cabañero apparently took swipe on Mayor Johnny De los Reyes who earlier issued said illegal swertres is less evil compared to the extraction of sand and gravel in the rivers and illegal drugs.

Previously, Mayor JVR told reporters that personalities involved in hauling sand and gravel should not be arrested since they are just doing this for their living.

He said it is better to extract sand and gravel instead of stealing and doing crimes for them to feed their families.

De los Reyes said Cabañero also has no personality to issue statement on illegal gambling since the latter had been arrested for playing mahjong and ignored the National Bureau of Investigation’s request to assist them in conducting a drug operation in his barangay.

Meanwhile, Supt. Germano Mallari, chief of Talisay City police, said he is thankful to the officials who appreciated their actions.

He said more operations are to be expected.

Mallari said they could get more illegal swertres outlets if barangay officials could help them during the operation.

"Nagkinahanglan sab gyud mi sa tabang sa mga opisyal sa barangay ug sa katawhan aron nga mawagtang na gyud ning maong matang sa sugal. Bisag mohatag sila og impormasyon namo kun asa dapita ang outlet unya mokuyog sila sa operasyon mahimo kaayo na ug makita ang nindot nga resulta," Mallari told The FREEMAN in a phone interview. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News