ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has issued a fresh warning to all police personnel in Western Visayas to strictly avoid any form of involvement in gambling activities, particularly cockfighting.
PRO-6 regional director Brigadier General Jack Wanky reiterated that police officers are not allowed to be present in gambling establishments such as cockpits, emphasizing the standing policy since the beginning of his term.
“My directive was very clear when I assumed leadership of PRO-6 — they are not allowed in gambling venues, especially cockpits, and must avoid moonlighting,” Wanky stressed.
This renewed warning follows an incident involving a patrolman assigned to Police Station 7 here, who was caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) repeatedly handling fighting cocks before scheduled matches at the Coliseo de Leganes in Leganes, Iloilo.
Wanky said the officer could face administrative sanctions.
He also reminded all unit commanders and chiefs of police to strictly enforce the Philippine National Police’s “one-strike policy” against illegal gambling within their areas of responsibility and to closely monitor their personnel.
“We are constantly reminding our personnel to stay away from illegal gambling and adhere to directives from the national headquarters,” said PRO-6 spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis. “We have never failed to warn them not to get involved in any illegal activities that could tarnish the reputation of the PNP.”/PN
