The anti-illegal gambling campaign in Negros Occidental netted 82 violators, and 20 vehicles used in the transport of bets and paraphernalia were seized by the police, in almost two months of operations under Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan as provincial police director.

However, majority of the arrested suspects, who have been charged for violation of RA 9287, the amended law on illegal gambling, are bet solicitors of the outfits “Speed” and “Bullseye,” that are operating in northern Negros.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who recommended the permanent appointment of Lirazan as the provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said he wants to minimize, if not totally eradicate illegal gambling operations, especially in northern Negros.

The Intelligence Branch and Special Operations Group of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office have been tasked by Lirazan to exert more effort in the campaign against illegal gambling, in compliance with the directives of Marañon.

Lirazan was designated as the NOPPO officer-in-charge on July 11.

Since then, the police have seized more than P6,000 in alleged cash bets, 16 cellular phones and three bicycles.

Marañon said that illegal gambling makes the poor, who patronize it, poorer, while its financiers are raking in money.

In his recent visit to Negros Occidental, Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, regional police director of Western Visayas, warned policemen who may be involved in illegal gambling as protectors, that they will be meted appropriate penalties.

“We must have a zero tolerance stance against all forms of illegal activities”, Cruz said”. *GPB

back to top