The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has promised to stand down and take administrative action against any police officials who fail to take adequate action to prevent and crack down on illegal gambling activities within their areas of supervision.
The “intensified crackdown” was ordered by chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr on Friday as part of what he calls a “one-strike and no-take policy,” according to the Philippine News Agency.
“The one strike and no take policy represents a zero-tolerance approach, where any negligence or inaction will be met with swift consequences,” Acorda said. “With this strong stance, the PNP aims to leave no room for leniency in eradicating the illegal gambling menace.”
The policy will, Philippine News Agency reported, ensure any police, regional, provincial and district directors, chiefs of police stations, community precinct commanders or other leaders of units found to be lacking in their efforts to eradicate illegal gambling are relieved of their posts and “charged administratively under the doctrine of command responsibility.”
Acorda said the directive is aimed at ensuring the welfare of the Filipino people. It follows a recent alliance between the PNP and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) aimed at heightening efforts against all forms of illegal gambling.
“We will not tolerate the existence of illegal gambling activities that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society” Acorda said. “Together with PCSO, we will deploy all necessary resources and implement stringent measures to put an end to this menace.”
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