Verzosa pushes nat’l forum against jueteng

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Verzosa has pushed for a national forum among government and nongovernment stakeholders to address gambling like jueteng following criticisms against the PNP for failure to abate the illegal activities.

Versoza, in a multi-sectoral forum here last week on the PNP’s integrated transformation program for 2030, proposed that local governments, religious and other concerned sectors work together and identify causes of gambling and formulate long-term solutions to address illegal gambling nationwide.

“We have done our part, especially in arresting and charging those responsible in the operation of illegal gambling nationwide,” he said. “We would like to solicit the support of stakeholders in curbing the proliferation of gambling in their respective places by participating in identifying the root causes of the existence of gambling and coming out with possible solutions.”

Verzosa said the PNP had never been remiss in its campaign against illegal gambling activities nationwide like jueteng contrary to perception of disgruntled sectors that some PNP members have become protectors of gambling lords.

During the forum, Versoza said the problem with Filipino society is that law enforcers have been constant victims of finger pointing regarding campaign against illegal forms of gambling, particularly jueteng, which has been identified as the poor man’s game.

Bishop Carlito Cenzon of the Diocese of Baguio rallied the people to be on guard on the existence of gambling in their respective communities and participate by disciplining themselves by not placing bets on gambling.

He said the effort to curb the evils of society should not be left to the law enforcers but it should be dealt with accordingly considering that the adults are to be blamed for the current problems of the Filipino people since they keep inventing things that affect the morals of the people.

Cenzon said the Church has been doing its part in educating the people on the proper values but it seems the evils of society continuously prevail, thus, the need to involve everybody in an effort to reform the society.