Policemen and other law enforcers protecting or asking money from illegal gambling lords will be the first ones to go if such irregularities are proven, Malacañang warned yesterday.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar affirmed that President Duterte would not hesitate to deal severely with corrupt and abusive law enforcers who betray their mandate to serve and protect the people.
The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation were recently directed by the President to intensify the campaign against illegal gambling across the country. The two agencies had been prohibited from conducting anti-illegal drug operations after the alleged involvement of some rogue police personnel in the kidnapping and killing of a South Korean businessman.
“The President has given stern warnings to people in government that if they are caught extorting or practicing corruption, they will be the first ones to go,” Andanar said in Filipino over government radio, when asked about law enforcement personnel who extort money and protect illegal gambling operations.
“He will not have second thoughts to remove, file charges against government officials especially involved in illegal drug, illegal gambling, and corruption,” Andanar added.
Andanar assured the President is determined to sustain the campaign against illegal gambling operations in the country. “We know the President, once he gives a campaign against a thing like illegal gambling, will not easily back down,” he said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)