• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The police chief of Sibulan town in Negros Oriental has been relieved from his post after the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) conducted an anti-illegal gambling operation in the town’s Purok Mauswagon in Barangay Looc on June 17.
In line with the strict implementation of the one-strike policy, the relief of PMaj. Fortunato Sabio Villafuerte effective June 18 was ordered by PBrig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, acting director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR).
It was carried out pursuant to the implementation guidelines outlined in a memorandum issued by the Regional Operations Division, which reinforces the command’s intensified campaign against illegal activities and upholds accountability among police commanders under the doctrine of command responsibility.
In a statement, the PRO-NIR said the anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the RSOG led to the arrest of a female suspect for alleged violation of Republic Act 9287, also known as the law prohibiting illegal numbers games.
Authorities recovered betting paraphernalia, betting records, cash believed to be proceeds of illegal gambling, and other pieces of evidence during the operation.
Under the one-strike policy, any successful operation conducted by Philippine National Police national operational support units or the RSOG against illegal gambling, online or e-sabong activities, and smuggled cigarettes may result in the relief of the concerned chief of police.
Such relief is without prejudice to further investigation and the filing of appropriate administrative charges, if warranted.
Villafuerte was relieved from his post pending investigation into matters concerning command responsibility and compliance with existing operational directives.
PCapt. Mary Jean Gutierrez has been designated officer-in-charge of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station.
PRO-NIR, however, clarified that the relief is an administrative measure aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring the effective execution of anti-criminality programs.
“The one-strike policy is not merely a disciplinary tool but a mechanism to promote vigilance, accountability, and proactive leadership among police commanders,” Cardiño said. | GPB
