ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) vowed to run after persons using the financial assistance from the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) in illegal gambling.
“Use the money for food. Alam natin na ang iban dyan ginagamit ang pera sa illegal activities, especially sabong sa mga barangay,” said Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director.
He ordered police units across Western Visayas to intensify the campaign against illegal gambling.
Each SAP beneficiary family gets P6,000.
“We are also warning barangay officials facilitating illegal na sabong. We will carry out arrests and submit reports to the Department of Interior and Local Government,” said Pamuspusan.
In this city, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Police Colonel Eric Dampal said, “We will stop all illegal activities such as card games, mahjong and others. Those caught will be put behind bars. Criminal charges would be filed,” said Dampal.
Dampal also warned stores selling liquor and those drinking liquor in public. Executive Order No. 055 issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas imposes a liquor ban during this time of community quarantine.
“I am also warning policemen. They are not exempted from the campaign against illegal gambling and other illegal activities, and the liquor ban,” said Dampal.
The ICPO director said he was “so particular about internal cleansing in the Philippine National Police. As public servants we are role models to the public, especially during this challenging time.”/PN
