CEBU, Philippines - Two station commanders, including one who had just assumed office, were the latest casualties in the ongoing “one strike policy” of the Police Regional Office-7 against illegal gambling.
PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo ordered the relief of Mabolo Police Station chief Enrique Belciña and Casuntingan Police Station chief, Sr. Inspector Meche Gabod, in Mandaue City following the successful operations against illegal gambling by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG-7) in their respective jurisdiction last Sunday. Gabod had just assumed office last Saturday.
RSOG-7 operatives led by Chief Inspector George Ylanan arrested five illegal gambling coordinators in Barangay Lahug and Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City last Sunday evening.
The suspects were identified as Marivic Estomo Dasculado, 45, of Gorordo Ave., Barangay Lahug; Antonio Tingal Cereño, 44; Jose Ranillo Diaz, 37; Romeo dela Peña Cereño, 53; and Elena Maglapa Formentera, 42, all of A.S. Fortuna, Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City.
The police seized several gambling paraphernalia including bet money amounting to P764. Dasculado was detained at the Mabolo police stockade while those who were arrested in Mandaue City were detained at the regional headquarters pending the filing of appropriate charges.
Garbo yesterday reiterated to all field commanders during a command conference held at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) to strictly adhere to the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas to eradicate illegal gambling.
Belciña said he will respect the order relieving him from his post. “Tungod man pud sa kadako sa akong area dili nako malukop tanan,” Belciña told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.
Gabod on the other hand explained that she just assumed office last Saturday and had barely met her personnel when the raid of RSOG operatives happened.
“Among tropa nag-operate man pero bag-o lang gyud ko nabutang ngari but if mahatagan ko og chance mapakita akong worth better but if relief ang sanction wala ta’y mahimo,” Gabod said.
The other casualties of the “one strike policy” who were earlier relieved from their posts were Sr. Insp. Ranulfo Espina of Waterfront Police Station, Chief Insp. Pablo Cabildo of Waterfront Police Station, Insp. Juan Capacio of Marigondon Police Station, Supt. Henry Biñas Toledo Police Station, Insp. Clyde Esguerra, Mambaling Police Station, Insp. Raymundo Enriquez, Pinamungajan Police Station, and Insp. Wilfredo Tautoan, Sibonga Police Station.— /FPL (FREEMAN)