PNP warns commanders: One strike, you’re out

MANILA, Philippines — A one-strike policy will be imposed on police commanders who fail to curb illegal gambling and other criminal activities in their jurisdiction, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said yesterday.

Gamboa warned police station chiefs and district commanders to shape up or be sacked from their posts.

“The one-strike policy will strictly apply to all commanders who will fail to address illegal gambling in their areas of responsibility,” he said.

Gamboa said he would include the failure to address crimes against public morals in the performance evaluation of police officials.

The PNP chief earlier ordered Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo to solve illegal gambling amid reports that loteng and jueteng, are rampant in the city.

Gamboa has warned police officials that he would impose administrative sanctions if they get involved in illegal activities such as gambling and drug trafficking.

“Erring PNP personnel will either be reprimanded or dismissed from the police service,” he said.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Montejo is not being singled out.

The warning covers all police commanders, Banac said.

“This is a fair warning to all na kung sila man ay mabigyan ng administrative sanctions ay naging patas si PNP chief Gamboa,” he told reporters.

Banac added the PNP leadership would look into the overall performance of police officials whether or not they would be replaced.

Based on their monitoring, Banac said illegal gambling remains rampant in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).