By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In response to a letter penned by Task Force Crusader (TFC) deputy commander John Chiong claiming two top Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) officials are illegal gambling protectors, BCPO spokesperson, Police Superintendent Noel Polines, called it a “demolition job.”
Polines denied the allegations of not taking action against illegal gambling, saying police have been conducting “nonstop operations,” and said the “false statements” are only meant to besmirch the name of top law enforcement officials.
According to data provided by the BCPO spokesperson, 62 anti-gambling operations have been conducted between January and April 20, resulting in the arrest of 164.
Along with that, a total of P13,421.25 in suspected gambling proceeds have also been seized.
Polines also pointed out last year’s figures, citing P11,157.80 was confiscated and 248 were apprehended from 78 operations.
Earlier, Chiong said PNP national headquarters responded to his inquiry and are currently conducting an investigation.
During a press conference earlier this month, in addition to alluding to the two police officials, Chiong named a certain Tolikoy, Edgar Mellama, Raymund Tongson, Dodong Claur, Humphrey Policarpio, and Tuklaw as being involved in local illegal gambling.
Also named was Jesus Clavecillas, also known as JC, who is a suspected bagman for jai alai operations./WDJ