In a groundbreaking move to address the pervasive issue of illegal gambling, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) have forged an alliance to intensify the national campaign against all forms of illegal gambling activities across the country.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of these illegal activities that erode public morals, PCSO General Manager (GM) Mel Robles emphasized that illegal gambling operations significantly affect the revenue generated by the PCSO, as the majority of earnings end up lining the pockets of illegal gambling operators.
“In turn, those losses deprive poor Filipino citizens of the healthcare and other benefits that the PCSO provides,” GM Robles added, shedding light on the grave consequences of unauthorized gambling activities on vulnerable communities.
GM Robles further appealed to the public, urging them to participate only in PCSO-sanctioned games such as Lotto and small-town lottery. By doing so, not only can individuals stand a chance to win exciting prizes, but they can also actively contribute to the funding of the PCSO’s welfare programs.
Meanwhile, PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has announced an “intensified crackdown” against these illicit activities and the individuals behind them, backed by the formidable “one-strike and no take policy.”
The “One Strike and No Take Policy” represents a pivotal element in this comprehensive strategy, ensuring strict enforcement of the Doctrine of Command Responsibility. This resolute stance reflects the PNP’s unwavering determination to eradicate illegal gambling and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino people.
Under the leadership of PGen Acorda, the PNP is mobilizing its established Regional/Provincial/City Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Groups to intensify the implementation of the provisions outlined in PNP MC NO. 2017-022, aptly titled “PNP Anti-Illegal Gambling Campaign Plan: Operation High Roller.” These specialized units will employ their expertise to gather intelligence, conduct thorough investigations, and execute strategic interventions, fortifying the nation’s fight against illegal gambling.
“We will not tolerate the existence of illegal gambling activities that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society. Together with PCSO, we will deploy all necessary resources and implement stringent measures to put an end to this menace, PGen Acorda said.
“The one strike and no take policy represents a zero-tolerance approach, where any negligence or inaction will be met with swift consequences. With this strong stance, the PNP aims to leave no room for leniency in eradicating the illegal gambling menace”, PGen Acorda added.
RDs, PDs, District Directors, CDs, Chiefs of Police Station, and Police Community Precinct Commanders, and Chiefs, RCIDU and Team Leaders, CIDT who will be found inefficient or wanting in their efforts to eradicate and stop illegal gambling in their respective areas of jurisdiction shall be relieved from their post and be charged administratively under the Doctrine of Command Responsibility. The applicability of the One-Strike Policy shall be reckoned one month after the assumption of the abovementioned commanders/chiefs and directors.
