PCP chief axed over video karera raid

Manila Police District (MPD) officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa relieved the chief of a police community precinct (PCP) in Sampaloc yesterday following the arrest of two video karera operators in his area of jurisdiction.

The relief of Simon-Basilio-Maceda (Sibama) PCP chief Senior Inspector Ricardo Jaime is in line with the directive of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to stop the operation of all forms of illegal gambling in the city, he said.

"This will serve as a stern warning to all that heads will roll if they continue to give protection to gambling operators," Abarzosa said as he reiterated the MPD’s "no take policy" in its all-out drive against illegal gambling such as jueteng, lotteng, sakla, horserace bookies and video karera machines.

Jaime is the latest casualty in the PNP’s "strike-one" policy against PCP commanders whose area of jurisdiction yields operators of illegal gambling. He was replaced by Inspector Restituto Paz even as administrative charges have been filed against him.

Operatives of the General Assignment Section, led by Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., arrested two video karera operators identified as Jonathan Manganti, 26, and William Estoesta, 57, following a raid on a house in Crisostomo street in Sampaloc. A video karera machine was also confiscated as evidence.

According to Pedrozo, he has received complaints from residents in the area over the operation of video karera machines patronized by young residents.

"We are now looking into the alleged protection being given to the operators by some unscrupulous policemen and barangay officials," Pedrozo told The STAR.

In a recent command conference, Abarzosa warned his 11 police station commanders and 42 PCP chiefs of relief for violation of his "no take" policy. He also directed his officers to go all-out against illegal gambling operators.

With the relief of the Sibama PCP commander, Sampaloc police station chief Superintendent Joveth Asayo was also warned of his dismissal if another illegal gambling operator is arrested in his area of jurisdiction.

"The MPD under my leadership will be cleansed of misfit and scalawag policemen who continue to tarnish the image of the Philippine National Police. This is a no-nonsense drive to bring back the glory of the Manila’s Finest," Abarzosa said.

As this developed, the MPD chief directed the Pre-Charge Investigation Unit of the MPD under Superintendent Eduardo Sierra to resolve within a month all pending cases filed against Manila policemen.

"Spare no one. Let the ax falls on whoever is found guilty. The MPD should be cleansed of misfits and scalawags," Abarzosa noted in his directive.