Authorities Seek Disciplinary Action Against Philippine Police for Failing to Document Illegal Gambling Operations
Philippine National Police Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling with Operation High Roller
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a nationwide campaign against illegal gambling, dubbed "Anti-Illegal Gambling Campaign Plan: Operation High Roller." This enforcement initiative aims to combat high-stakes or large-scale gambling operations that have a detrimental effect on society, as stated by PNP General Benjamin Acorda, Jr.
Operation High Roller involves intelligence gathering, raids, arrests, confiscation of gambling paraphernalia, and collaboration with local government units and other law enforcement agencies. The campaign also includes public information drives to raise awareness about the consequences of illegal gambling.
The PNP's current campaign is a joint effort with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), as they urge individuals to engage in PCSO-approved games, like the Lotto and local regulated lotteries, as they present an opportunity to win rewards and contribute towards charitable causes.
The PNP is taking a firm stance against corruption within its ranks. Negligence or inaction against illegal gambling by police officers will result in swift consequences, including administrative charges and potential job loss. Any officer in a position of authority who doesn't help stop illegal gambling will be held accountable.
Recent scandals, including a drug trafficking case involving over 49 senior and junior police officers, have led to a decline in public trust. To address this issue, Representative Johnny Pimentel, the vice chair of the Philippine House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, wants Congress to approve a measure that would make the PNP's Internal Affairs Service a separate body, giving it greater flexibility and power to enforce actions against corruption in the PNP.
The PNP is intensifying efforts to combat illegal gambling, with a one-shot plan involving all members of the force. Special operations forces are being deployed to enforce the campaign, and there is no leniency against anyone who violates the laws, as promised by General Acorda.
The drug trafficking case involved PHP6.7 billion (US$119.53 million) worth of shabu, a derivation of methamphetamines. Five colonels and a general were involved in the case, highlighting the need for the PNP's increased focus on rooting out corruption and illegal activities within its ranks.
Illegal gambling activities have a grave impact on the country's moral values, as stated by PCSO Chief Executive Mel Robles. They also cause significant revenue losses to the PCSO. The PNP and the PCSO recently signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a nationwide campaign against illicit gambling, emphasizing the importance of this issue for the Philippine society.
- The PNP's “Operation High Roller” focuses on illegal gambling in the Philippines, particularly high-stakes operations that harm society.
- The campaign encompasses intelligence gathering, raids, arrests, confiscation, and collaboration with local authorities and other enforcement agencies.
- Public information drives are part of the strategy to educate the public about the negative impacts of illegal gambling.
- The PNP encourages people to play PCSO-approved games, such as the Lotto and local regulated lotteries, to win rewards and support charities.
- The PNP is cracking down on corruption within its own ranks, with tough consequences for officers who fail to combat illegal gambling.
- The PNP's renewed effort comes after a decline in public trust due to recent scandals, with a proposal to make the Internal Affairs Service more independent and powerful.
- The campaign against illegal gambling is not only about responsible gaming but also fighting corruption, as evident in the drug trafficking case involving senior police officers, causing significant financial and moral losses.
