PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Archie Gamboa has given police regional directors one week ultimatum to curb illegal gambling in their areas or else they will be relieved.
“To the concerned regional directors of the Philippine National Police, I have forwarded to you list of operators in your different regions, Im giving you a week, if you do not stop then I will relieve you,” Gamboa said in a press conference at the Baguio City Police Office.
He maintained that he does not receive a single centavo from illegal gambling including the illegal numbers game also known as jueteng.
Gamboa made the statement amid reports that the PNP is losing its focus on stopping jueteng amid its intensified campaign on illegal gambling.
The one-strike policy will be enforced to all police unit commanders who will fail to halt illegal activities such as gambling, he added.
He said he eyes to strengthen the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and the Internal Affairs Service to catch cops protecting gambling lords.
Gamboa added that eradicating illegal gambling is part of the internal cleansing under his helm.
“We have to convince the people that we are serious on everything, that the PNP does not protect any illegal activities that other citizens do,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)