ILOILO – Concerned about the potential proliferation of illegal gambling, particularly “bookies”, following the termination of the Small Town Lottery (STL) operator by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. asked the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) to be aggressive in their campaign against illegal gambling.
Defensor made the request during a recent courtesy call of PRO-6 regional director, Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky to his office.
PCSO terminated the franchise of STL operator 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation on Feb. 28.
“Based on the Philippine National Police’s experience, there is a tendency for illegal gambling to proliferate,” said Defensor.
He added: “It was clear in our discussion with the new regional police director that we will be aggressive in monitoring the situation and preventing that from happening.”
However, Defensor clarified that illegal gambling was just one of the issues he requested the police to focus on. They also discussed focusing on illegal drugs, illegal quarrying, illegal fishing, and other illegal activities that could potentially distract from the peace and order situation.
When asked about the accomplishments of the IPPO headed by Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo in illegal gambling activities, he mentioned that the director had accomplishments, but he did not have the exact figures.
Defensor said he wants to level off with the PRO-6 regarding the statement that Palomo might be dismissed due to alleged weak performance in the illegal gambling campaign.
“What is the basis, so that we will also be guided. Let’s first investigate the basis of that,” said Defensor./PN
