THE Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., has ramped up the campaign against illegal gambling under what he calls a “one-strike and no-take policy.”
“The one strike and no take policy represent a zero-tolerance approach, where any negligence or inaction will be met with swift consequences,” he said in a statement.
“With this strong stance, the PNP aims to leave no room for leniency in eradicating the illegal gambling menace,” Acorda said.
He explained that police regional, provincial and district directors, chiefs of police stations, community precinct commanders and other leaders of units found to be inefficient or wanting in their efforts to eradicate and stop illegal gambling in their respective areas of jurisdiction shall be relieved from their posts.
They shall also be charged administratively under the doctrine of command responsibility, Acorda warned.
The PNP chief said the new order showed the PNP’s “unwavering determination to eradicate illegal gambling and safeguard the welfare of the Filipino people.”
Under Acorda’s leadership, the PNP is also mobilizing its established Regional/Provincial/City Anti-Illegal Gambling Special Operations Task Groups to intensify the implementation of the provisions outlined in a PNP circular.
“We will not tolerate the existence of illegal gambling activities that prey on the most vulnerable members of our society,” Acorda said.
