THE Philippine National Police (PNP), under Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has delivered a significant blow to illegal gambling operations in Negros Oriental, arresting six individuals and relieving seven police commanders as part of its strict One-Strike Policy.
On August 28, 2026, simultaneous operations led by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) took place from 10:14 AM to 1:34 PM across multiple municipalities and cities, including Ayungon, Tayasan, Sibulan, Pamplona, Bayawan, and Guihulngan.
The six suspects were apprehended for allegedly soliciting and collecting bets for illegal numbers games, violating Republic Act No. 9287, also known as the Anti-Illegal Numbers Games Law.
During the raids, authorities seized betting slips, improvised betting receipts, claim stubs, notebooks filled with number combinations, ballpens, marked bet money, and cash believed to be proceeds from the illegal gambling activities.
Following the successful operations, immediate administrative actions were taken.
The Chiefs of Police from the six municipalities and cities involved, as well as the Provincial Director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, were relieved from their posts.
On the other hand, the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) of PRO NIR was appointed as Officer-in-Charge of the provincial police office while retaining his current duties.
PNP Chief PGEN Nartatez emphasized the importance of leadership accountability in law enforcement.
“Police leadership demands accountability, and we will not hesitate to impose decisive action when commanders fail to address illegal activities within their areas of responsibility. Our operations must be backed by firm command responsibility and sustained enforcement,” he said.
He added, “It is not enough to just make arrests; every chief must ensure that illegal gambling has no place in their jurisdiction. Leaders are responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining order.”
