By CESAR JOLITO III
The chief of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station in Negros Oriental has been relieved from his post after a successful anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), highlighting the strict enforcement of the regional command’s One-Strike Policy.
PRO-NIR Acting Regional Director Police Brigadier General Romano Cardiño ordered the relief of Police Major Fortunato Sabio Villafuerte on Thursday, June 18, following an operation carried out by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) a day earlier at Barangay Looc’s Purok Mauswagon in Sibulan.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a female suspect for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9287, or the law prohibiting illegal numbers games.
Authorities also confiscated betting paraphernalia, betting records, cash believed to be gambling proceeds, and other evidence.
PRO-NIR said the relief order was issued in accordance with the One-Strike Policy, which holds police commanders accountable when National Operational Support Units or the RSOG successfully conduct operations against illegal gambling, online or e-sabong activities, and smuggled cigarettes within their areas of responsibility.
The regional police office clarified that Villafuerte’s relief is an administrative measure pending an investigation into his command responsibility and compliance with operational directives.
It added that the action aims to reinforce accountability and strengthen the implementation of anti-criminality programs.
To ensure uninterrupted police services in the municipality, Police Captain Mary Jean Gutierrez has been designated as Sibulan police officer-in-charge.
Meanwhile, the National Police Commission in NIR expressed its support for the intensified implementation of the One-Strike Policy.
In a letter to PRO-NIR, the commission described the campaign against illegal gambling, online or e-sabong operations, and smuggled cigarettes as a key measure in maintaining peace and order and enhancing crime prevention efforts across the region.
Cardiño emphasized that the policy is intended to promote vigilance and proactive leadership among police commanders.
“The One-Strike Policy reinforces our commitment to accountability and command responsibility. Every police commander is expected to exercise effective supervision and ensure that all forms of illegal activities are aggressively addressed within their area of responsibility,” he said./CCJ, WDJ