By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – “Huwag nilang subukan.”
This was stressed by Police Colonel Romy Palgue, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here, following the arrest of six persons, including a policewoman, in an anti-illegal gambling operation at Barangay Quiwi, Hinigaran town last Sunday.
Palgue said the incident was recorded but the information was released to the media a few days later probably because of miscommunication.
The arrested persons were already charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling.
But Palgue said the case was lodged on regular filing because the suspects were unfit to be detained due to their illnesses and the observance of the health protocols amid the pandemic.
Aside from that, no prosecutor was available to hold inquest proceedings.
An inquest is an informal and summary investigation conducted by the public prosecutor in a criminal case involving persons arrested and detained without the benefit of a warrant of arrest issued by the court for the purpose of determining whether said persons should remain under custody and correspondingly be charged in court.
Palgue said the arrested individuals were allegedly caught playing card games, but it is not yet clear why Police Master Sergeant Bebzie Nicor was present at the said area.
“As of now, I can’t say if kasama o involved, or sino nagpapatakbo ng sugalan. If proven na may involvement siya, she will be held liable. She will be given due process to prove her innocence,” he added.
Palgue stressed that he does not tolerate illegal gambling among their personnel.
“I already reminded them na huwag nilang subukan, maliwanag na ang police hindi puwede sumama diyan,” Palgue said, in a virtual press briefing on Friday.
Palgue said that the moment he learned about the presence of Nicor at the area where the alleged gambling activity happened, he advised the operatives to properly conduct an investigation.
Nicor was immediately relieved from the Office of the Provincial Director as a secretary, so as not to influence the impartial investigation.
“She is on a floating status,” he added.
Palgue said that Nicor was assigned to the said office even before his stint as Nocppo provincial director.
“Mas matagal-tagal na siya sa akin sa opisina,” he added.
With this, Palgue said that Nocppo continues their cleanliness among the offices and their ranks.
Meanwhile, Palgue said that Nicor may also face administrative case, depending on the result of the investigation.
“We will check if may admin liability siya,” he added.
