A NORTHERN Mindanao police official is urging concerned groups, government authorities, and agencies to substantiate the supposed "list" of gambling operators and financiers.
Superintendent Surki Sereñas, spokesperson of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Cagayan de Oro, said police authorities would welcome lists from private groups if these lists come with verifiable evidence.
"Nalipay mi kung naa man gani listahan para we could use it in the filing of cases," Sereñas said.
A number of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotto agents had earlier announced that they are thinking of resorting to a "tokhang-like" (knock and plead) campaign against five elected officials in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City known to be either protectors or financiers of illegal lotto outlets.
Astrid Bana, president of Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro lotto agents association, said four elected officials in the province and one in Cagayan de Oro have been identified as alleged protectors and financiers of the illegal lotto operations.
"Actually, it does not matter and we don’t care aha gikan ang list basta kay naa list according to reliable sources and dapat naa ebidensya kay kung wala it remains hearsay," Sereñas said.
Evidences like pictures or "test bets" would help the police in building cases against the alleged illegal gambling lords.
Sereñas, who was once a town chief of police, said that with the support and cooperation of the PCSO and other concerned groups, an effective crackdown on illegal gambling financiers, operators, and protectors can be accomplished.
"I-corroborate lang sa source like before ang PCSO ga-provide og pictures so the process kung naa na ebidensya like pictures and naka test bet na kay naa na resibo then we could operate," Serenas said.
Sereñas said while a "tokhang-like" campaign can be undertaken, the police would prefer the immediate filing of lawsuits once the evidences are verified.
Sereñas said filing the appropriate charges against identified protectors and financiers is a long term solution to wipe out illegal gambling operations.
"Kaning filing of cases is already in the advanced stage. Pag na-identified na unya na gather na ang evidences then i-file ang kaso mas dali siya," he added.
Sereñas said the order of Northern Mindanao police regional director Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino on the crackdown of illegal gambling is gaining ground.
Bana, the leader of the group of lotto agents, earlier said those who are caught placing bet is liable under the law.
