Dela Rosa: After war on drugs, illegal gambling next

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—After the war on drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will focus on eradicating illegal gambling in the country, PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said on Friday.

“We will automatically shift our efforts to illegal gambling,” he said. He added that it would not take six months for PNP to eradicate illegal gambling.

Dela Rosa, during the celebration of 115th Police Service Anniversary at Camp General Simeon Ola in Legazpi City, warned policemen to stop the involvement of some cops in illegal gambling, especially those who are receiving “payola” or money from gambling lords.

“Stop it. After we win the war against drugs we will focus on that. We will be giving our life and energy in this operation, the same way we did on the illegal drugs,” he said.

Dela Rosa admitted that gambling lords have tried to give him millions but he refused.

“I never accepted it. If I accept it, my hands would be tied and we cannot hit illegal gambling,” he added.

“What is good in this campaign (is) there would be no killing. This only needs serious attention or focus from the PNP and the support of local government units,” he stressed.

In almost two months of war against drugs, Dela Rosa said that out of the 1.8 million target apprehension of drug personalities and users, the PNP has accomplished almost 40 percent.

READ: Bato still unsatisfied with drug war efforts

The campaign, which started in July, recorded arrests of 600,000 drug personalities in two months. But, by mid-September the campaign slowed down with only 120,000 arrests, Dela Rosa said.

“The campaign took off with high scores but it landed on a plateau…” he pointed out.

“The remaining 60 percent is still attainable for the remaining 4 four months,” he added.

READ: Bato orders men: 1.8M drug surrenderers in 6 months

He said in his fearless forecast, by January 1, 2017, the PNP will have accomplished at least 90 percent of the target. RAM/rga