AN OFFICIAL of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has warned their personnel that they could face administrative charges if they are caught getting involved in online cockfighting.

Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, the PNP’s deputy chief for administration, made the warning after he caught one police officer getting involved in online sabong on his cellular phone while he was on duty in one of the police offices in Metro Manila.

Sermonia said the police officer has been administratively charged and may face removal from the police service.

Sermonia urged police officers nationwide to avoid involving themselves in online sabong and other gambling activities to avoid getting penalized.

Earlier this month, PNP Chief Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos ordered the immediate dismissal of Lt. John Kevin Menes from Police Regional Office in Calabarzon after he was caught playing online cockfight betting in Sta. Mesa in Manila. Menes is a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations.

Carlos said any police officer caught engaging in any gambling activities constitutes grave misconduct, which is a ground for dismissal from service. (AYB / JKV)