PNP to fire more officers if illegal gambling activities continue

PHOTO/DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned on Thursday that more police officers would be axed if no action is taken against illegal gaming in their jurisdictions.

The warning comes after nine Quezon City Police District (QCPD) officers were sacked on Wednesday for failing to prevent illegal gambling activities in their respective areas.

“Magsilbing babala sana ito sa lahat ng ating kapulisan na mas paigtingin pa ang laban kontra illegal gambling lalo ngayong may pandemya. Kasama sa sinumpaang tungkulin at mandato ng bawat kapulisan ang pagsupil sa ilegal na gawain na ito,” PNP General Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

(May this serve as a warning to all our police to intensify the fight against illegal gambling especially now that there is a pandemic. The sworn duty and mandate of every police officer includes the suppression of this illegal activity.)

“Responsibilidad ng bawat pulis na siguraduhing walang kahit anong klase ng illegal gambling sa kanilang lugar dahil ito rin minsan ang pinagmumulan pa ng ibang klase ng krimen o kaguluhan,” he added.

(It is the responsibility of every police officer to make sure that there is no illegal gambling of any kind in their area as it is also sometimes the source of other types of crime or disorder.)

Eleazar also issued a warning against police officers who “protect” illegal gambling activities.

“Mananagot kayo sa akin kapag talagang kayo pa ang nagbibigay ng mga proteksyon sa mga illegal gambling lords na ito. Kasama kayo sa kakasuhan at maaari pa kayong matanggal sa serbisyo,” Eleazar said.

(You will be held accountable if you are protecting these illegal gambling lords. You will be involved in the charge and you will be removed from service.)

Seven of the nine QCPD officers recently relieved from their duties were unit commanders, while the other three were city police chiefs.

The QCPD has yet to name the police officers as of writing.

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