After suspending its war on illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) declares war against illegal gambling.

PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa said unlike the war against illegal drugs, the war on illegal gambling will not be “bloody”.

“It will not be bloody, because the end the players of gambling are not crazy unlike in drugs where they are not in right mind that causes killings… In illegal gambling it’s only about money there is no need to risk lives,” he told reporters in Camp Crame.

In a statement, Dela Rosa said their organization will continue to hit hard on all forms of illegal gambling in line with Executive Order No. 13 issued by President Rodrigo R Duterte.

“The bottom line is the national advocacy to rid the country of all forms of illegal gambling activities that contribute to moral decay and provide an economic support system that sustains other forms of illegal activity,” he said.

“Based on our own experience, illegal gambling activities, if left unchecked, breeds corruption and may mutate into other forms of organized crime, including drug-trafficking, illegal vices, money-laundering and kidnapping,” he added.

“By this pronouncement, the PNP is hereby declaring war against illegal gambling,” the PNP chief said.

Dela Rosa said with the expected full implementation of EO 13 upon its publication last week, “the Directorate for Operations is now preparing certain adjustments in our own Campaign Plan against illegal gambling that will now cover illegal online gambling activities as defined under this Executive Order.”

“The Director for Operations has already alerted all Police Regional Offices to conduct One-Time-Big-Time (OTBT) operations against illegal gambling in their respective areas and sustain the distinction as illegal gambling free region,” he said.

“I am glad to note that the PCSO has successfully established the government-operated Small Town Lottery (STL) in different parts of the country as an effective way to keep illegal gambling operators out of business,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS