PNP eyes meeting with PAGCOR, GAB amid intensified ops vs. gambling

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing to meet officials from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Games and Amusement Boards (GAB) amid the intensified campaign against illegal gambling, its chief said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said the police would study the various gambling schemes for two weeks before discussing matters with PAGCOR and GAB officials.

"I really wanted the Director for Operations to study these things and then jointly meet with the regulatory bodies like, for example sabong, you meet with GAB and local government units, probably the league of mayors puwede natin sila isama so we will be able to thresh out and identify ano 'yung legal..." Gamboa said.

"Mayroon akong ibinigay sa kanilang mga papel kasi nga may mga pumunta sa akin... try to study all of these things and after that give your recommendations and 'yun nga, imi-meet din natin 'yung other regulatory boards," he added.

But Gamboa said there is no definite schedule yet as regards the meeting, adding that he wants the police to establish if the gambling practices being presently observed are really legal.

The PNP chief had ordered an intensified operation against illegal gambling. Gamboa previously said the one-strike policy would be applied to all police unit commanders who will fail to halt illegal activities such as gambling.

On Monday, the National Capital Region Police Office ordered the ban of gambling even during wakes. It added that it is also considering to prohibit color games and other gambling activities during fiestas. — RSJ, GMA News