MANILA, Philippines—Police are identifying areas in Metro Manila where the illegal gambling racket jueteng thrives but a high-ranking police officer said he believed illegal gambling was not rampant in the metropolis.
At a press conference on Monday (Feb. 24) in Camp Karingal, headquarters of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO), Sinas said he did not believe that jueteng is present in the entire Metro Manila but “we are checking.”
He said jueteng may exist but only in “certain areas.”
Sinas called for the press conference after Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa gave an ultimatum to regional police chiefs on jueteng. Gamboa gave the police officers one week to get rid of jueteng or face relief.
READ: Gamboa to regional chiefs: Stop jueteng in 1 week or face relief
“I have forwarded to you a list of operators in your different regions,” said Gamboa last Saturday (Feb. 21) in Baguio City.
“I’m giving you a week, if you will not stop [the operations], then I will relieve you,” Gamboa added, addressing himself to police regional chiefs.
The PNP chief earlier ordered a one-strike policy against police officers involved in crimes, including illegal gambling.
Police officers will be immediately relieved if their subordinates are found involved in illegal gambling and other crimes.
This was the cause of the relief of three city police chiefs in Metro Manila and seven unit commanders, as they failed to curb illegal gambling operations in their jurisdictions.
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