PNP intensifies campaign vs illegal gambling
by Jennifer Catan-Tilos
DUMAGUETE CITY, June 16 (PIA) The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has intensified its campaign against illegal gambling especially “swertres” with 62 operations conducted province-wide.
In a regular meeting with the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), PNP Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas reported in their operations 24 operators, 51 runners or ushers, and 36 bettors were apprehended in this first semester of this year.
With PNP's unceasing campaign against illegal gambling, Col Lawas said his unit together with other enforcement agencies able to identify some financiers, thus, cases have been readied for filing to court.
Lawas pledged to double their efforts to contain the illegal numbers game by conducting sustained anti-gambling operations.
However, despite claims of PNP’s continuous efforts against illegal gambling, theParish Pastoral Council (PPC) of Diocese of Dumaguete issued a resolution urging the Provincial Governor, all city and municipal mayors and their councils including barangay captains to put an end to all forms of illegal gambling activities in the province.
Aside from PPC, the Diocesan Council of the Laity and Diocesan Organization Renewal Movements and Communities (DORMC) also called on local officials to ban the operation specifically Lotto, “swertres” and Bingo Milyonaryo which is reportedly in full operations in some areas of the province.
The same resolution passed by the three Catholic Christian organizations of faith denounced the PNP and other law enforcement agencies for being weak in stamping out illegal gambling.
It is in motion that gambling in the province brings destruction in the lives of countless people, especially the children, the poor and elderly.
The Bingo Milyonaryo, a number game, similar to lotto has been introduced in Negros Oriental allegedly to reduce the illegal numbers game “swertres” in the province, hence, making illegal legal, the resolution stated. (PIA NegOr/JCT)
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Phil Red Cross awards dedicated blood donors in NegOr
by Rachelle M. Nessia
DUMAGUETE CITY, June 16 (PIA) --- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Negros Oriental Chapter recently recognized outstanding blood donors in the province.
A total of 65 donors - individuals and organizations - in the province were recognized during a ceremony held June 14, 2011 in Dumaguete City to mark the celebration of World Blood Donors Day here.
Of the total, 22 are local government units and organizations while 32 are "blood galloners" and 11 are members of the "Pledge 25" group, according to a list provided by the PRC office here.
Blood galloners are donors who made at least eight donations of 450 cc of blood to PRC while the Pledge 25 group is composed of nursing students who pledged to regularly donate blood to the Red Cross until they reach the age of 25.
Among the LGUs awarded were Amlan, Bacong, Bais City, Bayawan City, Bindoy, Canlaon City,Dauin, Dumaguete City, La Libertad, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Pamplona, San Jose, Tanjay City and Valencia.
The organizations that were cited include the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Energy Development Corporation, Negros Oriental State University, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, and the Philippine National Police.
Two villages, namely Brgy. Camanjac in Dumaguete City and Brgy. Inapoy in Mabinay town were also awarded for their blood donation efforts.
In the same event, the city government urged residents to become blood donors to help those whose lives "gravely depend on blood donors."
Dumaguete City Councilor JV Imbo stressed the importance of blood donation as he read a message in behalf of City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria.
"Every Dumagueteño should show concern and actualize their love for their fellowmen by being blood donors," the councilor quoted the mayor in his speech.
He also lauded the efforts of the local chapter of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) for "recognizing the city's efforts and initiatives in conducting blood donation activities." (RMN/PIA Negros Oriental)