PHILIPPINE National Police Calabarzon conducted a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding the arrest of suspects in anti-illegal gambling operations conducted in Sariaya Quezon following a statement from the Municipal Mayor who raised concerns about the manner of the arrest.
In response to the mayor’s statements, Police Regional Director BGen Paul Kenneth Lucas said that any misconduct or deviations from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Philippine National Police will be rigorously addressed. If found guilty, the operatives involved will face appropriate disciplinary measures and legal consequences.
The incident occurred after joint operatives of the 1st Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st QPMFC), Quezon Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division-Regional Special Operations Unit 4A (RID-RSOU4A), and Sariaya Municipal Police Station (MPS), conducted anti-illegal gambling operations at Barangay Malabag Lutucan, Quezon that resulted in the apprehension of 3 suspects engaged in illegal number games commonly known as “Bookies”.
Based on the report, the suspects were caught red-handed while collecting bet money during the operation. Swift action was taken, and the suspects were immediately apprised of their constitutional rights before being taken into custody.
The operation followed after complaint and request for investigation from the Piroutte Corp (Quezon STL Franchisee) on the illegal activities of suspects identified as alias “Win”, “Ana”, and “Joe”.
PRO CALABARZON assures the public that the investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness and remain accountable in all its operations. “I have already ordered the relief of the personnel from their current posts pending investigation. If found guilty, the operatives involved will face appropriate disciplinary measures and legal consequences,” said RD Lucas.
A complaint under Republic Act 9287 or An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games, Amending Certain Provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1602 and for Other Purposes was filed at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Lucena City against said suspects on February 2, 2024 and are still under the custody of Sariaya Municipal Police Station.
“Our dedicated operatives have been and will continue to be at the forefront of efforts to eliminate illegal gambling operations in the entire region. By dismantling illegal gambling networks, we aim to protect our communities from the detrimental effects of such activities and foster an environment conducive to economic growth and development,” said PBGEN Lucas.
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