All-out war vs illegal gambling on high gear

MANILA, Philippines - Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. reminded yesterday his provincial commanders that the Philippine National Police “One-Strike Policy” is not confined only to jueteng but also against all forms of illegal gambling, including the so-called, sugal-lupa.

Pagdilao issued his reminder in response to reports about the rampant activities of illegal gambling operators involved in “color games,” “drop balls” and other sugal lupa in the Calabarzon area.

He particularly directed the provincial police director of Cavite and Rizal to crack down on the said gambling operations in Imus, Dasmariñas City and Cavite City and General Mariano Alvarez in Cavite and in Angono, Cainta and Rodriguez in Rizal.

He directed his men to strike hard at illegal gambling activities of a certain Emily of Imus, Egay Lumagui of Cavite City, a certain Jayson of GMA and Jessica of Dasmariñas City as well as the operations of a certain Toyang of Angono, Nelma of Cainta and Josie of Rodriguez, Rizal.

Pagdilao ordered his provincial commanders to strictly account and monitor the compliances of chiefs-of-police of the said cities and municipalities regarding illegal gambling activities.

In response to reports, Pagdilao vehemently denied the involvement of Chief Inspector Jay Agcaoili in the alleged resurgence of illegal gambling in the said places.

He said “it is not possible for Agcaoili to meddle in the illegal gambling activities, much more act as a conduit or collector in illegal gambling operations because the said police official is still assigned at the Police Regional Office 6 in Iloilo City.

Pagdilao urged the public to immediately report to his office some persons who use his or drop his name in their illegal activities especially in collecting payoffs on illegal gambling.

Pagdilao stressed that the PNP in Calabarzon will remain committed to the order of PNP Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo to hit hard on all forms of illegal gambling in the country, especially in Region 4A.