Advisers

Jinky A. Gutierrez, MSCrim

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of the Valenzuela Police Anti-Gambling Section in Barangay General Tiburcio de Leon. Police records reported 320 arrests within 10 months. It considered operational activities, multisectoral collaboration, community trust, and barriers to reporting illegal gambling. The study referenced P.D. 1602, R.A. 9287, and R.A. 10175 and distinguished unauthorized gambling from activities regulated by PAGCOR and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The study used a quantitative descriptive-correlational design. Data were collected through validated questionnaires from 50 respondents, comprising 40 residents and 10 police officers. Frequency and percentage distribution were used in the analysis. Respondents were predominantly young, with 38% aged 18–21 years, and were mostly single and college-educated. Police operations and multisectoral collaboration were rated highly effective. ANOVA results indicated that police officers differentiated among specific strategies more clearly than residents. The main barriers were fear of retaliation (52%) and security gaps. Proposed responses included anonymous reporting hotlines and youth engagement. The Anti-Gambling Section received an overall weighted mean of 3.36, interpreted as highly effective. However, fear of retaliation and security concerns limited community cooperation. Anonymous reporting mechanisms, youth engagement, and trust-building measures may strengthen enforcement and public participation.

Keywords

illegal gambling, Community Collaboration, police operations