4 cops apprehended in QC for drinking, gambling

Some policemen were arrested for allegedly drinking alcohol and engaging in an online game inside a certain restaurant in Bagong Lipunan, Cubao, Quezon City.

Information from the Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP - IMEG) on Thursday identified the policemen as Police Staff Sergeant Erwin Gobis, Police Senior Master Sergeant Demetrio Laroya and Police Corporal Ariel Pasion, who are all assigned with Health Service, and Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Ocampo, who is assigned at the Crime Laboratory.

Authorities said non-uniformed personnel Leo Ocinar, former policeman Fidel Agustin and owner of the online game establishment Teddy Carpio were also arrested.

During the operation, police recovered from the suspects cash worth P14,430, two television sets used for the online gambling, one digital video recorder for CCTV, one roll of betting ticket, two signal HD digital box and 23 bottles of wine.

The operation stemmed from reports received by the PNP - IMEG that several cops are frequently seen in the area engaging in online betting and drinking spree.

The arrested personalities are now under the custody of PNP - IMEG for documentation and filing of appropriate charges for violation of Presidential Decree 16503, which prescribes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling, and President Rodrigo Duterte's order banning policemen from drinking in public places.

In January, Duterte ordered members of the police and military not to drink in public. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News