On February 22, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Archie Gamboa gave law enforcement regional directors (RDs) a single week to stop illegal gambling, or risk losing their positions.
“To the concerned RDs of the PNP, I have forwarded to you a list of operators in the different regions,” he said during a press briefing. “I’m giving you a week. If you cannot stop, I will relieve you.”
According to the Philippine Star, the new deadline applies nationwide against all forms of illegal gambling, including jueteng, small-town lotteries, video karera, etc.
Gamboa earlier said he would impose a one-strike policy on police commanders following reports of rampant illegal gambling in some cities. “Because the PNP chief does not get a single centavo from jueteng,” he said.
Earlier this month, three city police chiefs and eight precinct commanders were fired for failing to curb illegal gambling activities in their areas, the Star reported.
