CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- The provincial government of Pampanga tapped bantay bayan members in its fight against illegal drugs and online sabong. 
 
This came amid verified reports of unauthorized online sabong operations in the City of San Fernando and other towns despite Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) cease order to authorized permit-holders in April 2022 on order of then President Rodrigo Duterte. 
 
During the briefing on the implementation of protocols for safe communities and campaign against illegal drugs, Governor Dennis Pineda warned the 6,468 bantay bayans against protecting online sabong operators, saying that they would be me with the strong force of the law.
 
“Online cockfighting in the barangay is forbidden. You can report to the police or arrest anyone who is operating in your barangays,” he said. 
 
He added that the provincial government has not authorized any company to operate online sabong in the province, and PAGCOR has not informed them that it has allowed the resumption of the game.
 
Meanwhile, the governor also emphasized the crucial role of bantay bayans in maintaining peace and order, as the current ratio in the province stood at one police officer for 1,600 citizens. 
 
Citing data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Pineda said about 110 barangays have yet to be cleared of illegal drugs such as shabu and marijuana. 
 
“I am asking for your help so that we can stop drugs once and for all. The police cannot do it alone. We need the information from the grassroots. If we tolerate it, our children will be addicted to illegal drugs and families will suffer,” the governor said.
 
Aside from bantay bayans, the provincial government also urged support from PAGCOR, PDEA, and Philippine National Police. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)