BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Participating in “e-sabong” could cost them their jobs, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) warned police officers.
According to Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, NOCPPO spokesperson, the provincial police office received an order from the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters prohibiting policemen from joining online cock derbies.
Those caught for the first time will receive a reprimand although this could be escalated further to immediate dismissal from the service.
The PNP regards “e-sabong” as “addictive” with Donasco pointing out it is the reason why some policemen who have participated in this form of gambling became bankrupt, ultimately forcing them to engage in criminal activities to pay-off debts.
President Rodrigo Duterte has already agreed to suspend “e-sabong” after 31 persons who participated in this gambling went missing.
On Monday, PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos urged all unit commanders to inspect mobile phones and other gadgets of their subordinates to determine those who are hooked on online cockfighting.
“Ilang beses ko nang sinabi na pinagbabawalan ko kayo na maglaro niyang e-sabong or online sabong and yesterday (Sunday) our Chief-of-Staff caught one (playing) inside the camp. That is an addiction. If you are into that, we will make sure you will stop,” he said shortly after the regular flag-raising rites in Camp Crame.
Carlos reminded police officers anew to refrain from betting (online) while on duty.
“If you are playing games that are not connected with our work, please stop it. Huwag kayong magalit sa amin. Kami po ay naninigurado na ‘di kayo mapahamak,” he added.
Carlos told police officers that incurring debts from this vice that can amount to up to P3 million is no small matter as this could force them to engage in criminal activities so they can pay for it.
The PNP chief also said he believes that checking police officers’ phones for this purpose will not violate their rights.
Carlos warned sanctions against police officers caught betting online or any type of gambling while on duty.
He added that police are barred from gambling even if they are off-duty./PN
