MANILA, Philippines - At least three police officials in Central Visayas have been tagged as protectors of illegal gambling in the region, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) reported yesterday.
Superintendents Joel Quintero, Nicomedes Olaivar Jr. and Senior Police Officer 4 Clarito Aparicio have been relieved from their posts and are being investigated by the police Counter-Intelligence Task Force, said Alexander Balutan, PCSO general manager.
Balutan said the police officials were transferred to Zamboanga, Soccsksargen and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Jose Jorge Corpuz, PCSO chairman, said small town lottery (STL) operators in Central Visayas reported the alleged illegal activities of the police officials to the PCSO.
Corpuz warned law enforcers who operate or protect illegal gambling that they face dismissal from the service.
The PCSO is expanding the operations of STL to stop illegal gambling and generate more revenue to support its charity programs.
At least 56 gaming corporations were granted permits to operate STL across the country. The applications of 35 others have yet to be approved by the PCSO board.