A policewoman who was arrested in a recent illegal gambling raid in Hinigaran town, Negros Occidental, was charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 or the illegal gambling law.
This was confirmed Friday, July 30, by Col. Romy Palgue, Negros Occidental provincial police director, who said that the policewoman identified as MSgt. Bebzie Nicor was assigned to his office as his secretary.
In a virtual press conference, Palgue said that he ordered the immediate relief of Nicor as he does not want his office to affect the investigation.
“So we will have an impartial investigation,” he said.
An illegal gambling raid conducted by the 2nd company of the Negros Occidental Provincial Public Safety and Company in Barangay Quiwi led to the arrest of six persons, including the policewoman, on Sunday, July 25.
However, the arrested individuals were immediately released as they were unfit to be detained as some were sick and also to practice minimum public health standards, but the case was filed soon after, Palgue said.
Based on the affidavit of the raiding team, the policewoman was there when they conducted the operation against illegal cards game, he said.
“I said, they need to investigate it thoroughly…especially if police is involved. We don’t tolerate any illegal activities such as gambling and cockfighting,” Palgue stressed.
“We’re now waiting for the result of the investigation. As of now, we can’t say what’s her actual involvement. If she is involved or if who is running the illegal gambling activity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Palgue said he again reminded his men not to engage in illegal gambling and activities.*