BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) has vowed to maintain zero tolerance for e-sabong and other forms of illegal gambling activities.
The region's five provincial directors down to precinct-level commanders are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies "to apprehend those participating in or facilitating these illegal activities", Brig. Gen. John Kirby Kraft, PRO-13 director, said in a press statement on Monday.
The region's five provinces are Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
“As the vanguards of peace and order, it is our duty to address this challenge head-on and protect the integrity of our society,” Kraft was quoted as saying.
The move is following the recent call of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. to the Philippine National Police on zero tolerance on e-sabong and all kinds of illegal gambling activities in the country.
Aside from focusing on law enforcement, the PRO-13 top cop also emphasized the importance of raising public awareness of the dangers of e-sabong.
The command, he said, will launch community-based activities to educate the residents in the region on the legal implications and negative consequences associated with online gambling.
Last month, PRO-13 units managed to conduct 22 anti-illegal gambling operations which resulted in the arrest of 38 suspects.
In neighboring Region 10, meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao has reaffirmed its commitment to continue the crackdown against "e-sabong."
"We are taking a stand against e-sabong and all kinds of illegal gambling and its detrimental impact on our society. Illegal gambling not only fuels crime but also ruins lives," Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop, PRO-10 director, said in a statement Monday. (PNA)
