PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa said on Wednesday, February 19, that they have already identified the illegal gambling operators in the country and provided a list of their names to the regional offices.
Gamboa said he expected the regional police offices to conduct “aggressive” operations against those involved in illegal gambling.
"We are going against them... lahat ng illegal gambling from low to high,” he said.
He warned the police commanders that they would be relieved from their post if they fail to address illegal gambling in their areas of responsibility.
"Yes, in the next few months, heads will roll if you don't follow my instructions. If you don't do aggressive operations and you don't start relieving your chiefs of police then I will not be convinced," said Gamboa.
"If you don't do anything about it, you will be answerable for inaction," he added.
Gamboa said the PNP will strengthen its Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) and the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) to identify and file charges against policemen protecting gambling lords.
Last week, Gamboa ordered the relief of three city police chiefs and seven unit commanders in Metro Manila for failing to curb illegal gambling in their area.
He also urged personalities engaged in illegal gambling to stop or the police will go after them. (SunStar Philippines)