THE WARNING issued by Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director, to his subordinates involved in the murky world of illegal gambling, is a reminder of the ethical rot that threatens the core of our law enforcement institutions. Wanky’s bold stance against the protection of “bookies” by police personnel in the region is commendable, yet it underscores a deeper, more systemic issue that plagues our communities: the collusion between law enforcers and lawbreakers.
Illegal gambling operations, particularly “bookies”, have persisted in the region, notably in Iloilo province, not because of a lack of laws or enforcement mechanisms, but because of the shield provided by those sworn to uphold the law. This nefarious relationship between police protectors and illegal gambling operators not only undermines the efforts to combat this societal menace but also erodes public trust in the institution meant to protect them.
The audacity of these police officers, from ranks captain to colonel, to allegedly accept vast sums of money from illegal gambling operators is a slap in the face of justice and decency. It is a betrayal of the oath they took to serve and protect the public, a mockery of the sacrifices made by their honest counterparts, and an insult to the victims of gambling addiction and its ripple effects on families and communities.
Brigadier General Wanky’s initiative to form a task group focused on eradicating illegal gambling is a step in the right direction. However, the mere formation of such groups and the issuance of warnings are insufficient. What is needed is a comprehensive, transparent, and unforgiving crackdown on corruption within the police force. Those found guilty must not only be removed from their positions but also held criminally accountable for their actions. There should be no sanctuary for corruption within the ranks of those charged with maintaining public order and safety.
Moreover, this issue brings to light the urgent need for systemic reforms within the police force. Integrity monitoring systems must be strengthened, and whistleblowing on corrupt practices should be encouraged and protected. The community must also play a critical role in this battle against corruption by remaining vigilant and reporting any form of malpractice by police officers. It is only through collective action and a shared commitment to integrity that we can hope to cleanse our police force of this stain.
