ENRILE, Cagayan- Vice-Mayor Robert Turingan admitted it will be difficult to change a culture of gambling in this municipality but vowed to go after all forms of gambling in response to the call of the President.
He said anti-gambling is part of the 2016 Enrile Public Order, Safety and Security Code which campaign he started as early as when the local legislation was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The local law also known as the Municipal Unified Special Agenda for New Governance (MUSANG) Code features strict provisions on gambling by P.D. 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 or the anti-gambling law.
“The Code offers avenues Enrilenos may take to have a fair share in discouraging criminals or offenders from destroying and threatening peace and order in the municipality,” he said.
Residents admitted gambling in all forms have persisted for a long time in their municipality and the code will somehow thwart the culture.
“In fact, until today, some pursue such activities away from the eyes of people. We are no longer afraid to report to authorities those who insist,” a teacher who spoke on anonymity said.
“Like the wild cat, the code is fierce to all its enemies and offenders at the same time provides a protective mantle to the people,’ Turingan added.
The code was an attempt to put into one document all local laws and ordinance applicable to the municipality.
Congressman Randy Ting said in an earlier interview that ‘having a peaceful and orderly Enrile will mean a lot for its people as he commended the local council for creating a milestone in the legislative history of the town.
Vice-Mayor Turingan, however, said that no matter how serious the service of his administration if the culture is not change, the change will not come.
Meanwhile, Turingan has eyed the Pangulian Para Pammakapianan Trilogy plays as an effective tool in his campaign in support to the MUSANG Code as an aftermath of its successful staging August 2. He plans to bring the performances to all barangays in town.
The productions have brought on stage prevailing issues affecting the town including illegal gambling, illegal drugs. Responsible parenthood and environment.
More than a hundred tarpaulins depicting the ill-effects of gambling as seen through the eyes of the Enrile child have been established around town as part of the campaign.
“If they insist, they better leave the town,” Turingan said.
On February 13 this year, the Philippine National Police declared an all-out war against gambling in the country. Benjamin De Yro/Nothernforum.net
