PNP PRO-8 strictly implements “One-strike Policy”

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
September 14, 2012

CAMP SEC. RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte  –  Police Regional Office 8 director PCSupt Elmer Ragadio Soria once again reminded all Provincial / City Directors and Chiefs of Police on the illegal gambling policy embodied in PRO-8 Letter of Instruction 03-2012 "Revised PNP Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Force (AIG-SOTF) WARAY" to pursue its thrust to make Eastern Visayas an illegal gambling-free region.

“Be reminded on our stand against all forms of illegal gambling in Region 8. There would be no tolerance and I will not hesitate to implement the one-strike policy to relieve those commanders found to be remised in our efforts to stop the existence of illegal gambling”, Soria told Provincial Directors and the Directorial Staff during a conference held recently.

There is no exemption as far as the “one-strike policy” of the PNP is concerned in line with the campaign against illegal gambling. It means that police officials particularly the Regional Directors, Provincial Directors, City Directors and Chiefs of Police, who fail to act against all forms of criminal activities, including illegal drugs and street crimes, in their respective areas of responsibilities will be immediately relieved from their posts the result of an inquiry on their culpability.

The PNP has to enforce the law without fear or favor and will double its efforts by concluding sustained operations to apprehend suspected illegal gambling collectors and financiers. The fight against illegal gambling will only succeed through stronger partnerships with various stakeholders including local officials, the members of the religious sector and the media.

Soria informed that PRO8 under his leadership has sustained its campaign against all types of illegal gambling operations. For the period January 1 to August 31, 2012, PRO8 has conducted 488 operations on illegal gambling that resulted in the apprehension of 538 persons, confiscation of P128,026.75 worth of bet money and 305 cases filed in court.

"It is only fitting for ground commanders to take our thrust seriously against illegal gambling activities. This serves as a fair warning. And existence of illegal gambling, particularly swertres in their respective localities will be a ground for their relief and filing of administrative case against them," Soria explained.