By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, the newly appointed head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Western Visayas, has mandated city and provincial police directors to escalate efforts against illegal gambling.
In his inaugural media briefing on Monday since assuming the role of acting regional director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) on Feb. 19, 2024, Wanky specifically instructed all city and provincial PNP chiefs to establish task forces dedicated to combatting illicit gambling activities in the region.
Wanky emphasized that one of his primary directives from PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda was to eradicate illegal gambling to pave the way for the implementation of the small-town lottery (STL).
He said there is a need to make a “bold stand,” especially since operators of STL are complaining of the presence of “bookies.”
“They will be expecting a lot of operations until such time that this menace will stop. We will not stop until they stop,” he added.
The 27 police operations conducted in the region last week arrested 106 personalities and confiscated PHP18,626 bet money.
He also confirmed that there were people allegedly with links to illegal gambling who lined up to meet in a hotel where he stayed in Mandurriao district before he assumed his post.
“I was already pre-warned to be careful of these personalities,” he said.
Wanky said he never stayed long in the lobby, but he either proceeded directly to his room or straight to the vehicle waiting for him outside when going out of the hotel accommodation.
That gesture, he said, also gave them a signal that he was serious in his campaign against illegal gambling. (PNA)
