Cebu police chiefs told: Stop illegal gambling

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Police chiefs of Cebu province’s 24 police stations were ordered yesterday to submit weekly reports of what they’ve done to stamp out illegal gambling in their areas.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, provincial police chief, said those who don’t file accomplishment status reports would be made to explain or face the consequences.

He said lax police officials face sanctions.

The order came after the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) presented six persons arrested for illegal gambling.

From Oct. 7 to 16, the CPPO arrested 46 persons in the province and confiscated 73 tally sheets, 15 stubs, 2 video carreras, five motorcycles, and P5,014 in cash.

Comendador said the arrested persons were suspected ushers and masiao coordinators.

He said operations would focus on these players since the police don’t have control over the financiers.

“We’ll be going after these illegal gambling (activities) regardless of who gets hurt, big or small. . We want to be serious in our drive against illegal gambling,” said Comendador.

He said anti-gambling laws have to be strengthened because the police face obstacles in successfully prosecuting gambling financiers.