‘STEP UP OR STEP OUT’: Wanky dares Iloilo police chief to up anti-illegal gambling drive or face relief

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the police chief of Western Visayas, has issued a clear ultimatum to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO): escalate the crackdown on illegal gambling, or face potential relief from duty.

The stern warning came after Wanky challenged the IPPO to enhance their campaign against unlawful betting activities.

Following the closure of 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation, Iloilo’s lone Authorized Agent Corporation, the IPPO managed only one operation against illegal numbers games in violation of Republic Act 9287 in the first week; and two operations against Presidential Decree 1602 in the same period.

Discontented with these efforts, Wanky forewarned that illegal gambling syndicates might attempt to capitalize on the absence of STL (Small Town Lottery) games.

The subsequent week, however, showed no operations against any form of illegal gambling by the IPPO.

“That remains a challenge to our provincial director (Colonel Ronaldo Palomo),” Wanky said.

He emphasized that field commanders are judged by their accomplishments and lack thereof may prompt formal directives for intensifying their efforts.

“Kung wala silang accomplishment within the week again, we would formally send them directives to intensify their operation on illegal gambling,” he said.

Should there be no progress, Wanky indicated this would be grounds for requiring explanations from the commanders.

Specifically for Palomo, Wanky said, “If he can’t do his job, we might as well recommend his relief.”

He mentioned that this push against illegal gambling aligns with guidance from Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., who highlighted the potential spread of illegal gambling during a recent courtesy call.

It is noted that as of February 29, 2024, there are no legal STL operations in Iloilo province, with the PCSO citing a failure to comply with financial obligations and minor violations as grounds for the termination of 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation’s operations.

It can be noted that starting Feb. 29, 2024, no legal Small Town Lottery (STL) operation exists in Iloilo province.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) wrote the 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation about the termination of its Agency Agreement and Authority to Operate.

Melquiades Robles, PCSO general manager, cited Sec. 26 of the 2020 STL Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (STL-RIRR) as the reason for termination.

The PCSO noted that 7 Aces failed to fully and timely remit the PCSO share in its Guaranteed Minimum Monthly Retail Receipt (GMMRR) under Sec. 26 (a)).

It also committed three verified minor violations (Section 26 (g), namely, failure to pay the difference in the adjusted GMMRR, failure to pay the additional authorization fee and the failure to pay the additional cash bond relative to the increase of your GMMRR pursuant to BR No. 253 series of 2023.

The following day, Feb. 29,  Remeliza Gabuyo, PCSO – Assistant General Manager for Branch Operations Sector, also wrote Wanky that 7 Aces‘ termination of operation.