ILOILO City – Police chiefs and station commanders across Western Visayas face immediate removal from their posts if found involved in gambling activities, particularly illegal online cockfighting or e-sabong.
Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño has ordered a “one-strike” warning against erring commanders.
Tuaño issued the warning amid the circulation of promotional materials for a cockfighting event, with proceeds supposedly intended to finance a Christmas party.
“Sinasabi natin sa ating mga police commanders, bilang babala na rin, na ang lahat ng uri ng sugal, especially ‘yung e-sabong, na mahuhuli sa kanilang area — ito ay strike one,” Tuaño said.
“Sila po ay agad na mare-relieve,” he added.
The regional police chief indicated that PRO-6 had already acted against at least one previous case but did not identify the personnel involved or disclose the circumstances.
Tuaño also categorically denied any involvement by PRO-6 in the advertised cockfighting event, stressing that the police organization neither endorses nor supports gambling activities.
“Nililinaw natin na walang sinusuportahan ang PRO-6 na anumang uri ng gambling, maging ito man ay legal or under-the-table na gambling,” he said.
“Unang-una, sinasabi natin na hindi pinahintulutan ng Philippine National Police ang lahat ng uri ng sugal. Sa mga kababayan natin na gumagamit ng ating pangalan tungkol sa nasabing activity, hinding-hindi ito gagawin ng Police Regional Office 6,” he added.
In a separate statement, PRO-6 disowned the promotional materials circulating on social media and private messaging platforms, saying it had neither organized the event nor authorized the use of its name.
“PRO-6 emphasizes that the office has not organized, endorsed, or authorized any cockfighting-related activity for the purpose stated in the circulating message,” the statement said.
“The office likewise has not authorized the use of its name or official capacity in promoting such an event,” it added.
PRO-6 cautioned against linking Tuaño or other police officials to the activity without evidence, noting that the identity of the regional director mentioned in the promotional message remained unclear.
“The public is advised not to immediately associate the promotional material with PRO6 or any of its officials based solely on the accompanying message, particularly since the reference to a Regional Director has not been clearly established,” it said.
The regional police office said it would investigate whether its name or those of its officials had been improperly used to promote the event.
“The office will look into the matter and determine whether its name or any of its officials has been improperly invoked in connection with the circulating promotional material,” PRO-6 said.
“Any established violation will be addressed in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations,” it added.
While regulated cockfighting is permitted under certain conditions, e-sabong remains prohibited under government directives.
PRO-6 also reminded the public to verify information before sharing unsubstantiated claims involving police officials./PN
