PNP chief orders one-strike policy for unit commanders linked to illegal gambling

MANILA, Philippines — Police officials will be immediately relieved if their members are caught being involved in illegal activities such as illegal gambling.

This as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered on Monday the “one-strike” policy against police officers involved in illegal activities.

“I am serving notice to all police unit commanders that their actions in enforcing the campaign against corruption and crimes against public morals, particularly illegal gambling, shall weigh heavily in the succeeding rounds of individual performance evaluation to determine their competence to continue leading their respective units,” Gamboa said in a statement.

“The One-Strike policy will strictly apply to unit commanders who will fail to curb these illegal activities in their areas of responsibility,” he added.

Gamboa’s warning came after he received reports of alleged illegal gambling operations within police units in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Metro Manila, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac explained.

“May persistent na report na nakakarating kay General Gamboa at nagbigay naman siya ng kanyang babala. This is just a fair warning to all na kung sila man ay mabigyan ng administrative sanction ay naging fair lamang si General Gamboa at nagkaroon ng prior warning,” he said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

Banac said the PNP will intensify its internal cleansing campaign against illegal gambling and it will be a priority for the next few months.