Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — With the war on drugs on the back burner, the police launch another battle — this time against illegal gambling.

For Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa, illegal gambling spawns a host of other crimes.

"If left unchecked, (illegal gambling) breeds corruption and may mutate into other forms of organized crime - including drug trafficking, illegal vices, money laundering and kidnapping," Dela Rosa told reporters on Monday.

"By this pronouncement, the PNP is hereby declaring war against illegal gambling."