Illegal gambling operations: “Protector” cop arrested

CEBU, Philippines —  A policemen suspected of being a protector of illegal gambling was arrested in an operation along with an accomplice last Sunday night.

The operation was conducted at around 8:45 p.m. by the elements of the Integrity Monitoring and Enhancement Group (IMEG) Visayas in coordination with the Mabolo Police Station and other units in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

The policeman arrested was identified as Police Staff Seargent Carlito Sanchez Tinoy, 41, presently assigned to the 701st Regional Mobile Force Battalion. Arrested along with Tinoy was his accomplice Joel dela Cruz Igam, 42.

Authorities said that the two suspects were caught in act of carrying out gambling operations when policemen came to arrest them.

"They were involved in illegal gambling activities also known as swertres in Cebu City...we heard that he is protecting those who are involved in illegal gambling that's why we conducted a case build-up," Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, Police Regional Office-7 director, told reporters.

Confiscated from the two suspects were P4,000 cash determined to be gambling proceeds, a calculator, Tinoy's PNP ID card, and notebooks containing different number of combinations used as tally sheets.

Tinoy and his accomplice will be facing charges for illegal gambling. In addition, Tinoy will also be facing administrative charges.

According to Ferro, Tinoy is also facing a suspension order from the ombudsman issued last December 13, 2017 because of another violation. He said that this time he will see to it that Tinoy will be dismissed from the service since he was already given a chance to reform himself.

"Murag siyay protector but it will be further investigated because we will be filing an administrative case," Ferro said.

Ferro said that this should serve as a warning to the rest of the PNP personnel in the region to avoid being involved in illegal activities as such activities will not be tolerated under his watch.

"Stop the illegal activities or risk being arrested in jail, you will face the harsh hands of the law, ‘wag ‘nyo nang sayangin ang inyong pinaghirapan sa serbisyo," he added.

Ferro further said that the PNP salary now is “reasonable” enough to support a family and policemen no longer have to involve themselves in illegal activities.

"We have a big problem of COVID-19, you should not add more, kung di mo maka-contribute sa accomplishment sa PRO-7, di mo magpasaway," he stated.

Tinoy will be restricted to camp pending the filing of administrative charges since his criminal charge is bailable.  BRP (FREEMAN)