NEARLY P3 million worth of gambling paraphernalia have been seized by police authorities in the campaign against illegal gambling in Northern Mindanao.
According to the annual report of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao, the paraphernalia were seized during 347 anti-illegal gambling operations conducted by different police units from January to November this year.
In the said operations, some 369 persons allegedly involved in illegal gambling activities were arrested and a total of 276 charges were filed in court.
Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa II, PRO-Northern Mindanao deputy spokesperson, said the campaign against illegal gambling has been intensified in the Duterte administration, next to the war on drugs.
The accomplishment in the fight to topple down illegal gambling activities in the region had increased from July to November.
"Bisan ang focus is fight against illegal drugs, gihingusgan gihapon ang operation against illegal gambling," Hortillosa said.
The gambling paraphernalia confiscated included equipment used in illegal lotto operations and illegal video games such as 'video karera' and 'tolilong', among others.
Hortillosa said the police actively appeared during court hearings to ensure conviction of arrested personalities.
"Kamulo pa ang mga hearings anang mga kaso," Hortillosa said.
Hortillosa echoed the warning of the top officials of the PNP against police personnel who protects gambling operations in localities.
Hortillosa said the internal cleansing of the PNP organization is continuing.
"Atong panawagan sa mga police nga posibleng involve sa illegal gambling activities or gadawat og kwarta gikan sa illegal gambling nga mohunong na," Hortillosa added.
He further said that intelligence gathering has also been strengthened to trace gambling lords across the region.
