(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday announced that 1,245 suspects have been apprehended in a comprehensive anti-illegal gambling operation focused on the rampant issue of e-sabong.
The operation, which spanned from July 1, 2022, to August 15, 2023, saw the collaborative efforts of various police regional offices and national support units across the country, PNP public affairs office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said in a statement.
Data from the PNP Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) as of Aug. 17, reveals a significant stride in the campaign against e-sabong activities.
Among the apprehended suspects, some 437 cases have been referred to prosecutors, while 808 cases have been directed to courts for further legal action.
The same case records culled through CIRAS revealed 322 cases resulting in the conviction of the accused.
Based on the report submitted by Police Regional Office 7, some 348 suspects had already been taken into custody.
Among these cases, 123 have been referred to prosecutors, and 225 cases have been forwarded to the courts for prosecution.
Following closely behind, Police Regional Office 3 recorded 328 arrests. Of these cases, 170 were referred to prosecutors, and 158 are undergoing trial before the Courts.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has been instrumental in these operations, apprehending 200 suspects.
Out of these cases, 27 have been referred to prosecutors for further legal proceedings, while 187 cases are poised for court action.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. commended the dedication of the police operatives and the profound impact of their actions.
"The extensive crackdown on e-sabong illegal gambling underscores our unwavering commitment to the rule of law. The significant number of arrests demonstrates that the PNP remains steadfast in maintaining peace and order in our communities. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who violate the law, ensuring that justice prevails for the betterment of society," he said.
Acorda said they also continue to work with various government agencies, especially those whose mandate is concerned with information and communications technology, in running after e-sabong (online cockfighting) operators.
The PNP chief earlier ordered an "intensified crackdown" against illegal gambling, backed by the one-strike and no-take policy.
Police, regional, provincial and district directors; chiefs of police stations and community precinct commanders; and other leaders of units 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 of their post.
They will also be charged administratively under the doctrine of command responsibility.
Acorda's latest directive came after the PNP and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) forged an alliance to intensify the national campaign against all forms of illegal gambling.
The specialized units will employ their expertise in gathering intelligence, conducting thorough investigations and executing strategic interventions to further fortify 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,” Acorda said in a previous statement. (PNA)
