Police probe alleged gambling payola

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 has launched a pre-charge investigation into personnel allegedly involved in an illegal gambling racket.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) is leading the probe against the unnamed officers.

Wanky confirmed that personnel were relieved after reports surfaced of them receiving payola from illegal gambling activities.

The implicated officers are non-commissioned personnel from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCCPO) and the Aklan Police Provincial Office (AkPPO).

Wanky added that, depending on the investigation’s outcome, they would assess if the chiefs of police or direct superiors would be held liable for command responsibility.

He also emphasized that the PNP’s one-strike policy remains in effect.

If illegal gambling operations are discovered in their areas of responsibility, unit commanders will be immediately relieved of their posts.

In May, various police units conducted 141 operations, resulting in the arrest of 393 individuals and the confiscation of P153,000 in bet money.