PRO-13 intensifies crackdown on illegal gambling in Caraga
DAVAO CITY — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is joining the war against illegal logging in the region, according to 10th Infantry Division commanding official Maj. Gen. Rafael C. Valencia.
Valencia made the disclosure in his meeting with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional officials who paid a call on him at the 10ID's camp in Mawab, Compostela Valley.
“To curb illegal logging activities is one of the marching orders of our DENR Secretary Gina Lopez. We are very serious on this drive the reason why we are intensifying our campaign and to further strengthen our partnership with the AFP once again so we could solicit their support in battling illegal logging activities in this region,” DENR XI regional director Ruth M. Tawantawan said.
Valencia expressed his full support, not only in curtailing illegal logging but also illegal mining activities, especially within the 10ID’s area of responsibility.
He stressed that the AFP already has close coordination with the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau in Region 11.
One of the preventive measures that were discussed during the meeting in order to stop illegal logging activities was the establishment of DENR-AFP checkpoints in the area.
“Our focus will be in areas within Compostela Valley, particularly in Laak and some areas in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. We will jointly conduct IEC in each barangay to prevent cutting of banned species,” Tawantawan stressed.
DENR-XI will also be conducting a refresher course on environmental laws and regulations as well as orientation on proper documentation in terms of apprehension of illegally-cut trees for the AFP personnel.
Prior to her meeting with the 10th ID, Tawantawan had a courtesy call with Lieutenant Gen. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrerro of the Eastern Mindanao Command in Panacan, Davao City, and discussed with him the different programs and projects of the DENR.
CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Elements of the Northeastern Mindanao Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) on Friday seized two fruit game machines in Butuan City and Placer town, Surigao del Norte, while three video karera machines were confiscated in Bayugan City and San Francisco town, Agusan del Sur in the intensified crackdown against illegal gambling operations in Caraga region.
An investigation is under way to identify the owners of the illegal game machines for filing of charges against them, PRO 13 Regional Director Chief Supt. Rolando B. Felix told The Manila Bulletin yesterday.
The region’s police chief is hoping that the seized illegal gambling machines will serve as a warning to all operators to stop their illegal gambling activities in the region.
"These illegal gambling machines are luring young bettors, not only the out-of-school youths but also students who cut classes and waste their money on it,” stressed Felix.
Felix ordered all field units including those under the PRO 13’s operational control (Opcon) units to intensify “without let up” their antiillegal gambling operations in their respective areas of responsibility (AORs).
“Clear your areas of this illegal gambling operations,” Felix, in his directive to field units said.
President Duterte had earlier issued Executive Order No. 13 directing law enforcement agencies to step up the fight against illegal gambling.