The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has ordered the relief of the Sibulan police chief, pursuant to the strict implementation of the “One Strike Policy” against illegal gambling.
PMaj. Fortunato Sabio Villafuerte was ordered relieved on Thursday, June 18.
The action stemmed from a successful anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the PRO-NIR Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) on June 17 in Purok Mauswagon, Barangay Looc, Sibulan, Negros Oriental, the PRO NIR reported.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a female suspect for the alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9287 (Illegal Numbers Games).
Recovered during the operation were betting paraphernalia, betting records, cash believed to be proceeds from illegal gambling activities, and other pieces of evidence.
Under the One Strike Policy, any successful operation conducted by National Operational Support Units (NOSUs) or the RSOG against illegal gambling, online or e-sabong activities, and smuggled cigarettes may warrant the relief of the concerned chief of police, the PRO NIR said.
This is without prejudice to the conduct of further investigation and the filing of appropriate administrative cases, if warranted, it added.
Villafuerte was relieved from his post as the Sibulan Municipal Police Station (MPS) chief pending an investigation into matters concerning command responsibility and compliance with existing operational directives, the PRO-NIR said.
The relief is an administrative action intended to reinforce accountability and ensure the effective implementation of anti-criminality programs, the regional office added.*
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