BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – The director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) remains unfazed by the possibility of being relieved from his post following the warning of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Jack Wanky.
On Monday, Wanky said Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo could be removed from his post if he fails to intensify efforts against illegal gambling in the province.
The region’s top cop ordered Palomo to intensify the crackdown on illegal gambling, particularly “bookies,” giving him a chance to improve his performance on combating illegal gambling this week.
Palomo, in an interview with Panay News yesterday, stressed that he is not afraid and has no regrets.
“No ill will, no regrets and they don’t have anything behind the issue,” he said.
He added that if someone would replace him, “maybe he could do better accomplishments than me.”
Earlier, Wanky said 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.
However, data from the PRO-6 showed that between March 3 and 10, the IPPO conducted only three successful anti-illegal gambling operations.
Wanky 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./PN
