Terte orders intensified campaign vs. gambling

CEBU, Philippines – Regional Police Director Federico Terte has ordered a more intensified campaign against illegal gambling activities such as video karera, masiao, tong-its, and illegal cockfights.

In a meeting with with his directorial staff yesterday, Terte said the campaign against illegal gambling must be intensified and police officers proven to be involved in these activities must be penalized.

Terte’s order came following reports that there are barangay officials in the region that allegedly tolerate these illegal gambling activities.

Terte said the recent burning of a cockpit area in barangay Talamban should serve as a warning to both operators and participants of illegal cockfights that the police is serious in curbing illegal gambling.

He said illegal gambling play a major role in the degradation of moral values and diversion of hard earned money from food for the family to vices. One way to stop these, he said, is to stop illegal gambling.

Aside from this, Terte also directed all policemen in the region to observe proper attire while on duty. He said a policeman should wear his uniform with pride since he symbolizes authority as a public servant.

The “Tamang Bihis” program is one of the projects of PNP to achieve its goal for a “more caring, respectable, effective and credible police force.” — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)