From the aggressive war on illegal drugs, the government is mobilizing its resources to step up the crackdown on illegal gambling across the country.
President Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 13 ordering the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies to “intensify the fight against illegal gambling.”
EO 13, signed last February 2, also imposed certain restrictions on online gaming operations in the economic zones of Cagayan, Aurora, and Bataan to clamp down on illegal operations. This includes prohibiting the operation of online gaming operators outside economic zones where they obtained the licenses as well as sharing or transfer of such licenses to another party.
“The State condemns the existence of illegal gambling activities as a widespread social menace and source of corruption, as it has become an influential factor in an individual’s disregard for the value of dignified work, perseverance, and thrift,” the order read.
In the order, the PNP and NBI have been directed to coordinate with the Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in the campaign against illegal gaming activities.
“The same law enforcement agencies are further directed to coordinate and promptly act on requests of gambling regulatory authorities to investigate and put a stop to illegal gambling activities in their respective jurisdictions,” the order added.
The new assignment of the PNP and NBI came after the President barred them from conducting anti-illegal drug operations due to alleged abuse of rogue personnel. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
