By Jennifer P. Rendon
In response to criticisms of its performance in tackling STL bookies, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) said it is taking strict actions against illegal gambling.
According to an IPPO press release, intensified monitoring and operations have led to the detention of individuals involved in various illegal gambling activities.
Between January 1 and March 19, 2024, IPPO units executed 23 anti-gambling operations, resulting in 64 arrests.
“The IPPO, under the leadership of Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, is relentless in eradicating all forms of criminality, including illegal gambling,” the press release noted.
Colonel Palomo emphasized IPPO’s dedication to eliminating illegal gambling and reminded residents that true success comes from honest work, not gambling, which can lead to legal issues.
Regionally, PRO-6 recorded 25 anti-illegal gambling operations, arresting 66 individuals during the same timeframe. These operations included targeting STL bookies, illegal cockfighting, card games, and various other gambling forms.
In comparison to other regions, IPPO’s actions constituted only 8.09 percent of Western Visayas’ 309 anti-illegal gambling operations. Negros Occidental PPO led with 179 operations, followed by Bacolod City Police Office (48 operations and 168 arrested persons) and Iloilo City Police Office (21 operations and 74 arrested persons).
At a recent press conference, Brigadier General Jack Wanky challenged the IPPO to enhance its anti-gambling efforts, indicating that non-performance could lead to command changes. This challenge comes shortly after the closure of 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation in Iloilo.
But the IPPO was only able to conduct one operation against illegal number games or violation of Republic Act 9287 days after the termination of 7 Aces’ operation.
In the same week (March 4 to 10), the IPPO conducted two operations against violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Providing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling).
Wanky was apparently not pleased with this development since he expected that illegal gambling operators would try to finance illegal gambling number games, in lieu of STL.
The following week (March 11 to 17), Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 records showed that IPPO failed to conduct a single operation against any form of illegal gambling.
“That remains as a challenge sa ating provincial director (Colonel Ronaldo Palomo),” Wanky said.
The region’s top cop said that field commanders are being rated by their performance.
“Kung wala silang accomplishment within the week again, we would formally send them a directive to intensify their operations on illegal gambling,” he said.
If nothing happens, that would form part of their basis in requiring the commanders to explain.
In the case of Palomo, “kung hindi niya na kaya ang trabaho niya, we might as well recommend for his relief,” Wanky said.
He added that the campaign against illegal gambling was one of the guidance given by Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. during his courtesy call last week.
