Police directors warned anew on illegal gambling

AGLIPAY, Quirino — "Stop (jueteng) or be sacked."

Thus reiterated Philippine National Police chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to provincial police directors during a two-day command visit to Apayao, Quirino and Isabela last Thursday and Friday.

Ebdane said he is putting pressure on provincial police directors in order to sustain the PNP’s campaign against the illegal numbers game and other forms of illegal gambling.

"Our campaign against jueteng must be without let-up until this menace is nipped in the bud," he said.

A ranking police official from Cagayan Valley (Region 2), however, said Ebdane’s warning was directed at the police directors of Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya.

"Malapit nang magalit si PNP chief sa mga yan (The PNP chief is almost angry at them)," the police official told reporters covering Ebdane’s visit.

Meanwhile, Ebdane lauded Superintendent Manuel de los Reyes, Quirino police director, for maintaining the province as jueteng-free.

City reports from the anti-gambling Task Force Jericho, Ebdane said Quirino is indeed the only jueteng-free province in Region 2.

De los Reyes said the illegal numbers game would not thrive if provincial leaders will it.

The Quirino provincial board has cited the provincial police command for such a feat.

Ebdane also thanked Quirino Gov. Pedro Bacani and lone Rep. Junie Cua for giving their all-out support to the crusade.