BY RUBY SILUBRICO & MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Colonel Ronaldo Palomo could be removed from his post if he does not improve efforts in the fight against illegal gambling.
The ultimatum came from Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
During a press conference yesterday, Wanky ordered Palomo once again to intensify the crackdown on illegal gambling, particularly “bookies”, in the province.
Between March 3 and 10, the IPPO conducted only three successful anti-illegal gambling operations, data from the PRO-6 showed.
Wanky expressed his disappointment, noting that he had expected an increase in police operations following the cessation of operations by the 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corp., the Small Town Lottery (STL) authorized agent corporation in Iloilo province, on Feb. 28.
“Upon taking the position of PRO-6 director, I directed all city and provincial directors to focus on illegal gambling. If he (Palomo) is unable to handle it, he may opt to resign from his position as IPPO director,” said Wanky.
But he is giving Palomo a chance to improve his performance on combating illegal gambling this week.
“If his performance does not improve and their arrests or operations remain very low, I will recommend his removal from the position,” said Wanky.
The region’s top police officer had previously told Panay News that he had received reports of high-ranking police officials protecting illegal gambling operations in the province. He mentioned no names.
Wanky also mentioned the alleged involvement of some police personnel in quarry protection rackets.
According to sources, a ranking official has been demanding P50,000 per quarry operator.
“To prevent trucks from being seized, a certain amount is being demanded, and we will investigate this report. I will not tolerate any illegal activities in Western Visayas. I have already issued a stern warning to all my officers,” said Wanky.
The PRO-6’s Regional Intelligence Division has been directed to collaborate with the IPPO and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office to investigate these alleged illegal activities./PN
