Gambling axe ready to fall?

The commander of the Western Police District (WPD) Station 2 is in danger of being relieved from his post after the anti-gambling task force created by Interior and Local Government Secretary Joey Lina conducted four successive illegal gambling drive in his jurisdiction Sunday.

Superintendent Elmer Jamias, WPD-Station 2 chief could earn the distinction as the first casualty among police officials following the renewed illegal gambling drive waged by Lina.

"Our successful raids show that he does not pay a visit to his barangays to know personally whether illegal gambling is prevailing or not," said Chief Superintendent Manuel Cabigon, referring to Jamias.

According to Cabigon, Lina is scheduled to submit to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) today the evidence against Jamias.

Cabigon warned police officials he is seriously implementing Lina’s "three strikes and you’re out" policy. It would be unfortunate, he said, if the axe falls on Jamias, dubbed as "Barako ng Maynila" for his exploits against all forms of criminality.

A team of Task Force Jericho agents, led by Inspector Bienvenido Reydado, conducted six successive raids in Tondo, Manila last Sunday night, arresting 13 racehorse bookies, gambling paraphernalia and an undetermined amount of cash.

According to Cabigon, four of the raided bookie joints located on Tagumpay street, Barrientos street, Soriano street and Yakal street are under the jurisdiction of Jamias.

The raided bookie joint along Moriones street is under the jurisdiction of WPD-Station 1 commander Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa while another bookie joint located on P. Guevarra street in Sta. Cruz is under WPD-Station 3 chief Superintendent Angelito Santamina.

Abarzosa and Santamina recorded their first strike, said Cabigon, stressing that those arrested kept mum when asked to name their financiers.

When reached by The STAR for comment, Jamias expressed surprise over Cabigon’s raids on his turf. "I have no personal knowledge about the raids."

Jamias claimed he has religiously conducted an anti-gambling drive since he took over his post in the recent reshuffle of officers at the WPD. "The gambling lords are now operating "kangaroo-style" because of my relentless campaign against illegal gambling."