Monday | July 10, 2017 | 9:00 AM

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) donated a total of P9 million to the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support the latter’s campaign against illegal online gambling and improve existing traffic management facilities.

Of the P9 million aid, P5 million went to the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) for the purchase of computers and other equipment that will detect internet-based crimes and illegal online gambling. The remaining P4 million will be allotted to the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) for the procurement of traffic management and anti-carnapping operations equipment.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa (middle) and Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Director Police Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola, Jr. (right) receive from Atty. Jose Tria, Jr., PAGCOR’s Special Assistant to the Chairman (left) the mock check representing the agency’s P4 million funding to PNP-HPG.

PNP-ACG Director Police Senior Superintendent Marni Marcos, Jr. said their fight against illegal gambling is hampered by budgetary constraints, lack of up-to-date forensic tools and other necessary equipment.

“PAGCOR, being our long standing partner against this menace could help improve our equipment. Hence, we sought the agency’s assistance so we could upgrade and develop our capabilities against unauthorized online gambling,” Marcos said.

PNP-ACG Police Superintendent Jerry Empizo likewise cited that they would use the P5 million grant from PAGCOR for the procurement of computer sets, laptops, cameras, photocopier and licensed software and hardware for digital forensics.

“If we have better and more efficient equipment, we’d be able to eradicate cyber-related crimes such as child pornography, intellectual property rights infringement, online swindling and financial fraud. We will have a safer cyber environment,” Empizo added.

Since its creation in 2013, the PNP-ACG has conducted a number of police operations against unauthorized online gambling which led to the arrest of 49 people including Chinese and Korean nationals. It has also deported four foreigners.

Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Community Relations and Services Arnell Ignacio said the PNP is willing to assist PAGCOR in the detection, investigation, prosecution, combating and monitoring of online gambling operations but PNP’s resources are limited.

“We have received reports that there are several illegal online gambling operations being conducted. We hope that the financial grant will enable PNP-ACG to bolster the government’s effort in combating cyber crimes such as illegal online gambling,” Ignacio said.

Aside from strengthening programs against illegal online gambling, part of PAGCOR’s financial aid to PNP would be used for the procurement of 120 pieces dashboard camera and 120 pieces of laptop, cited HPG Director Police Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola.

“This will be utilized in our mobile units to see the traffic violators. Mahalaga itong mga gamit na ito to see on real timebasis yung ginagawa ng mga tao – kung sino yung mga nag-violate at hindi sumusunod sa traffic rules para ma-aksyunan kaagad natin,” he said.

Apart from that, the items will also be used for the actual video recording of the traffic situation and actual verification of wanted vehicles through Vehicles Information Management System (VIMS).

Gardiola thanked PAGCOR for its support to PNP-HPG. “One way to deliver our service to the motoring public is to have such equipment so we could monitor what is happening outside. Malaking tulong ito sa Highway Patrol. I’m so thankful that PAGCOR approved our request.”

PAGCOR has been a staunch supporter of the PNP for many years now. In 2011, the state-run agency provided P4 million funding for the PNP General Hospital for the purchase of top-of-the line medical equipment. Likewise, PAGCOR donated 15 mobile patrol cars to the Manila Police District in 2015.

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