By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) acted hours following a stern warning from Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the police chief of Western Visayas, regarding the subpar anti-illegal gambling efforts of the IPPO.
The Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station made an arrest at 4:20 p.m. on March 18, detaining a 62-year-old bet collector.
Leonilo Lagura of Barangay Balibagan Oeste, Sta. Barbara, was apprehended while soliciting bets for STL bookies in Barangay Zone 2, Sta. Barbara.
Although considered minor, the offense prompted a joint operation by the Sta. Barbara police and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU). Items seized from Lagura included betting paraphernalia, a ballpen, an identification card from 7 Aces, and P250 in cash.
Major Jose Rey Pabalan, the chief of Sta. Barbara police, indicated that Lagura continued to collect bets even after the cessation of 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation on February 29.
The suspect remained silent on who financed the operation, stating only that they derived winning combinations from the STL draw in Iloilo City.
When inquired about other active bet collectors post-7 Aces, Pabalan affirmed ongoing surveillance.
At a press briefing, Wanky challenged IPPO to escalate their anti-gambling operations, hinting at potential relief for commanders failing to comply.
This ultimatum came in the wake of 7 Aces’ shutdown, which led to a single IPPO operation against illegal gambling soon after.
Despite two subsequent operations the following week, PRO 6 records indicated no further action from IPPO in combating illegal gambling.
Wanky posited this as a challenge to Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, IPPO’s provincial director.
Field commanders’ efficacy is being assessed, with Wanky emphasizing the issuance of directives to intensify crackdowns on illegal gambling. Continued inaction would necessitate an explanation, with Palomo’s position potentially in jeopardy.
Wanky mentioned that tackling illegal gambling aligns with guidance from Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., underscoring its importance in regional law enforcement priorities.
