By JEN BAYLON

The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) launched an investigation into two police officers in Negros Occidental after they allegedly received protection money from illegal gambling financiers.

PRO-6 director, Brigadier General Jack Wanky said the investigation is ongoing, and they are gathering information on the alleged involvement of the two police personnel.

A police officer assigned to the Aklan Police Provincial Office is also under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

“We will investigate this matter thoroughly and take appropriate action against those found guilty,” Wanky said.

He said he would not spare anybody among the police force involved in all forms of illegal gambling.

“I have been telling my personnel not to engage in illegal gambling, as they will face stricter sanctions should evidence warrant action against them,” Wanky said.

He said that the involved police personnel’s immediate superiors will also be investigated.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that our residents can live safely and without fear of being preyed upon by illegal gamblers,” the PRO-6 director said.

“We will not rest until we have eradicated illegal gambling from our communities,” he added.

Earlier, PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Colonel Arnel Solis said the two police officers in Negros Occidental were relieved from their respective assignments.

They were transferred to the Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Unit at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City for investigation./JB, WDJ