Gambling cops may lose jobs, benefits

CEBU, Philippines — Police personnel hooked to illegal gambling better watch out.

In addition to putting their jobs on the line, they may also lose their benefits if caught gambling inside a cockpit arena.

"You know na bawal but still you went there (cockpit). Nobody forced you to be there, so ito yung consequence ng acts na ginawa mo," Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Senior Superintendent Royina Garma said.

Garma made the stern warning following the relief of two policemen who were photographed inside improvised cockpit arenas on separate occasions by a covert surveillance team assigned to be on the watch for erring policemen.

They are Police Officer 1 Jansen Caña assigned to the Abellana Police Station, and Senior Police Officer 2 Felipe Alfeche assigned to the CCPO-Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit.

The surveillance team spotted Caña in a cockpit on A. Lopez Street in Cebu City, while Alfeche was reported attending illegal cockfight in the City of Naga.

Both Alfeche and Caña are facing administrative charges for violating the Philippine National Police Ethical Standard, Presidential Decree 449 for cockfighting, and Presidential Decree 1602 for illegal gambling.

Policemen have already been told that their mere presence in gambling areas, such as casinos and cockfighting arenas can be considered as a basis for relief and administrative charges.

As part of the due process, Alfeche and Caña are told to explain their side before the Regional Police Office in Central Office and during the dismissal hearings.

"May investigation kasi, may due process so it's up for the summary hearing officer if ma-appreciate niya ang defense. Pero umiwas na lang sila, alam nila bawal mag-change route nalang sila," she said.

Moreover, Garma said zero tolerance is the only way crook policemen are dealt with.

"Mag-behave ka. Even after you retire as a policeman, you should become a good model citizen for others to follow suit. Nakakahiya ikaw pa yung lumabag sa batas," she said.

In January this year, Police Officer 2 Cyrelle Marie Bayate was also arrested at a casino in Cebu City.

She was charged for illegal gambling and non-adherence to the PNP's code of conduct. (FREEMAN)