PRO-6 removes officers over ‘gambling payola’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has confirmed the relief of personnel allegedly involved in an illegal gambling racket.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, reported that these officers were receiving payola or bribes from illegal gambling activities.

Wanky did not identify the involved personnel, stating they are all police non-commissioned officers.

“We could not name them because they are still under investigation,” he explained.

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

Depending on the results of the ongoing investigation, Wanky noted that the chiefs of police or direct superiors might be held liable for command responsibility.

Wanky also reaffirmed that the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) one-strike policy remains in effect.

Under this policy, unit commanders will be immediately relieved from their posts if an illegal gambling operation is discovered in their area of responsibility.

Since Wanky assumed his post on February 15 through May 12, various police units conducted 378 operations which resulted in the arrest of 1,222 individuals and the confiscation of P599,687.25 in bet money.