The eMagazine of Philippine Information Agency 10
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016
Creation of task force vs illegal gambling mulled
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A task force will soon be created to run after those engaged in illegal gambling operations in Cagayan de Oro.
This was one of the measures discussed by members of the 18th City Council headed by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy in response to report of Councilor Romeo Calizo regarding the prevalence of illegal gambling activities in the city. The legislative body took the time to hear Divina Salvacion of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), City Police Director P/SSupt. Ronnie Cariaga, Astrid A. Bana, president of the Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro Lotto Agents Association and a representative from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on what is being done and what can still be done to address the problem. Councilor Zaldy O. Ocon, chair of the committee on games and amusement, said his committee will create a task force composed of PS/ Supt. Cariaga, PCSO, the Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro Lotto Agents Asso., NBI, and barangay chairmen, among others to look into this. ENFORCEMENT Councilor Leon Gan said the city council had already enacted
ordinances to stop illegal gambling. He said the problem now lies in the enforcement of the law. Councilor Gan proposed that a resolution be adopted urging Congress to revisit the anti-gambling law. He said the coverage of “gambling” should be widened and the increase in penalty and bail of those involved in illegal gambling should be considered. OPERATIONS PS/Supt. Cariaga informed the legislative body that 20 anti-illegal gambling operations were conducted since he assumed post two months ago. Despite limited resources and manpower, he assured that operations against illegal gambling will be pursued and intensified. Supporting the creation of a task force, PS/Supt. Cariaga said he will also recommend good men from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be part of it. The police director is optimistic that in two months, illegal gambling will be curbed in the city. (LCR/SP)
City accepts garbage bins from Air Force CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Members of the 18th City Council during its regular session enacted Ordinance No. 131222016, accepting the offer of the Tactical Operations Group (TOG-10), Philippine Air Force to donate 400 drums for use as garbage bins for the city government of Cagayan de Oro.
For the purpose, the City Council authorizes City Mayor Oscar Moreno to sign the Deed of Donation executed by said group in favor of the city. In a separate legislation, the City Council, likewise, adopted Resolution No. 12440-2016, expressing the city’s
gratitude to the Rotary Club of Kalayaan for partnering with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for the painting of the 400 drums and the payment of the labor cost for the distribution as garbage bins/waste containers to the different areas in the city. (JBD/SP)
Health cmte tackles detox package for drug dependents CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The City Council committee on health and sanitation and health insurance in Cagayan de Oro discussed on September 2 the offer of PhilHealth for a detoxification package for drug dependents. According to a news advisory, beginning this month PhilHealth will offer a P10,000 detox package for drug dependents. The medical detox package will focus on patient’s withdrawal stage, which, experts say is the most difficult part of the rehabilitation process. Funds for the package will come from Philhealth’s resources and not from the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). During the meeting, Marlo Arrabaca of PhilHealth Region 10, said the office has yet to receive the policies and guidelines for the implementation of such package. Arrabaca cited that because of the big number of responders involved in drug abuse problems, Philhealth will come up with the extended package, as
announced by PhilHealth Acting Chief Executive Officer Ramon Aristosa. He said PhilHealth is considering the possibility of including drug rehabilitation as part of the insurance coverage in response to the huge number of drug dependent individuals who have surrendered. The PhilHealth board is now studying the final set up of the package, which is included in its current priority list, he added. Councilor Maria Lourdes Gaane, chair of the committee, said the committee will wait for the guidelines of PhilHealth for the implementation of the detox package for drug dependents in the city. (JBD/SP)