ONE of the staff of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) Director Police Colonel Romy Palgue was arrested in Hinigaran for allegedly getting involved in illegal gambling activities.
The incident also sparked a minor misunderstanding between the police and members of the media in Negros Occidental.
Nocppo Spokesperson Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco identified the suspect as Police Master Bebzie Nicor.
According to Donasco, Nicor was assigned as a secretary to the office of the provincial director.
She said the cop had been relieved from the post and she is now being investigated for the allegations.
A criminal case of violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 for illegal gambling has already been filed against Nicor.
She added the incident took place last week, but the information only surfaced after the barangay captain of Barangay Quiwi in Hinigaran told a radio station that the police raided a suspected illegal gambling operation in his barangay.
In a press conference, Palgue said he has ordered the Hinigaran Municipal Police Station to investigate Nicor thoroughly, especially since members of the Philippine National Police are prohibited from engaging in any gambling activities.
"She has already been relieved to give way to the conduct of investigation, and to prevent her from influencing the investigation," Palgue said.
Palgue added Nicor had already been working as secretary to the office of the Provincial Police Director for 14 months and had previously served former Nocppo director Police Colonel Rodolfo Castil.