• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Police commanders in Western Visayas have been reminded anew on the “One Strike Policy” in the campaign against illegal numbers games.
In a statement issued by the Police Regional Office 6 Public Information Office, PBrig. Gen. Leo Francisco, regional police director of Western Visayas, ordered all provincial and city police directors to coordinate with Authorized Agent Corporations (ACC), in lieu of illegal Small Town Lottery operations in Negros Occidental.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office issued a statement that only the Super Lucky Beagler, Inc. (SLBI) has been authorized to operate STL in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
From January to March 1 this year, the PRO6 reported the conduct 227 anti-illegal gambling operations in Region 6, that resulted in the arrest of 718 violators and confiscation of P175, 949.50 in cash.
Francisco also said that PRO 6 will not only implement the “One Strike Policy” for all police chiefs and unit commanders, but those who fall short of the commitment expected of them, in the campaign against illegal gambling, will also be administratively charged.
This will follow after two positive operations are conducted by the Regional Intelligence Division Validating Team in their respective areas, he added.
This initiative will ensure compliance and will elicit positive result on the ground, Francisco stressed.
The WV police chief also encouraged the support of community to help them in their campaign, by reporting to nearest police outpost, as he also assured them of confidentiality in their identity.*
