At least seven police officials in Central Visayas are facing investigation and could be relieved from their posts for failing to curb illegal gambling in their respective jurisdictions.
The police officials holding posts in intelligence units performed poorly that resulted in the continued existence of illegal gambling in their areas, said Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).
Facing relief are Supt. Rodolfo Albotra Jr., chief of the Cebu Provincial Intelligence Branch; Supt. Josefino Ligan, intelligence chief of the Mandaue City Police Office; Chief Insp. Romeo Santander of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO); and Senior Insp. Rogelio Pineda of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.
Their counterparts in Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental are also facing investigation, said Garbo.
Garbo said he already instructed Supt. Paul Labra II, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), to start looking for the police officials’ replacements.
Garbo said that although their performance is still being evaluated, its already 80 percent sure that the police officials will be relieved.
Once their relief orders are out, the police officials will be transferred to the Regional Holding Unit (RHU) while facing an investigation.
Garbo said intelligence officers should perform well since he is serious in implementing his program against illegal gambling.
Garbo said he confirmed the presence of illegal gambling in the areas where the police officials were assigned following several anti-illegal gambling operations conducted by the Regional Special Operation Group (RSOG).
“We are intensifying our anti-illegal gambling campaign. RSOG continued to make arrests,” Garbo said.
Garbo said non-performing police officials will be replaced by “more dedicated” personnel.
Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said he appreciated and recognized the performance of Santander but orders from their superiors should be followed./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON