PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) commanders were told to intensify the campaign against illegal gambling activities in their respective areas.
This was the instruction of PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, which came after two station commanders and seven police community precinct chiefs of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) were relieved from their posts due to their failure to curb illegal gambling in their areas.
PGen Eleazar warned that more police officers could be sacked from their posts if they fail to address this issue.
“Let this serve as a warning to our police so that they will intensify even more the fight against illegal gambling, moreso during this pandemic. Part of the police’s duties and mandate is to curb this illegal activity,” PGen Eleazar said.
“It is the responsibility of the police to ensure that there is no illegal gambling of any kind in their jurisdiction because gambling sometimes is the source of crime and other conflict,” he added.
The Chief PNP also issued a strong warning against those cops who “protect” those behind illegal gambling activities.
“You will answer to me if it is proven that the police are the ones giving protection to these illegal gambling lords. You will be charged in court and may cause your dismissal from the service,” Eleazar added.
Meanwhile, PGen Eleazar lauded QCPD director Police Brigadier General Antonio Yarra for his swift action as he is implementing the “one- strike policy” to all his station and unit commanders who were linked or have failed to address illegal gambling.
He urged other police offices to enforce the same strict measure against illegal gambling.