Eleazar: Cops banned from gambling under PNP code of ethics

Former Philippine National Police chief and senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday reminded cops that they should not be involved in gambling activities whether legal or illegal.

The former law enforcer made the remark as he welcomed investigations on policemen who were allegedly involved in online cockfights or “e-sabong.”

“Alam naman natin na kahit sabihin pa na ‘yung gambling ay legal or illegal, sa atin kasi sa code of ethics ng ating kapulisan ay di dapat nagsusugal,” Eleazar said.

(We all know that cops should not be involved in gambling activities, legal or illegal, under the code of ethics of the police force .)

On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said they have filed complaints against seven cops who were allegedly involved in e-sabong.

The senatorial candidate likewise welcomed current PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos’ order, prohibiting his subordinates from playing online sabong.

Further, Eleazar urged the PNP to speed up its investigation into the missing cockfighters or sabungeros, saying these reported incidents are not usual.

“We urge the PNP to hasten or pabilisin ang pag-iimbestiga kasama ng ibang law enforcement agencies dahil ‘di birong sitwasyon ang nangyari na hanggang ngayon wala pa tayong solution sa kaso na yon,” he said.

(We urge the PNP to hasten the investigation along with other law enforcement agencies because until now, there is no resolution in these cases.)

Eleazar emphasized the need for a Capability Enhancement Program in the PNP. He said state of the art investigative tools should be procured to improve the investigation process in the country.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said President Rodrigo Duterte is just waiting for the recommendation of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on the suspension of e-sabong licenses pending the resolution of the missing sabungeros’ cases.

The Senate chief said a decision from Malacañang is expected on Monday at the latest.

“I was informed that the president is waiting for the resolution and also the recommendation of PAGCOR and they will be assessing by Friday, hopefully at the latest, Monday next week,” Sotto, who is running for vice president, said.

“That is the convo I had with the Executive Secretary himself. In other words, the president is reviewing the proposal both of the Senate and PAGCOR,” he said.

Senate Resolution 996, which was signed by 23 senators, urges PAGCOR to suspend online sabong's license to operate and stop all activities related to it until the cases of missing sabungeros are resolved.

To be covered are the existing e-sabong licenses of Belvedere Vista Corp., Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., Visayas Cockers Club Inc., Jade Entertainment And Gaming Technologies, Inc., Newin Cockers Alliance Gaming Corp., Philippine Cockfighting International Inc. and  Golden Buzzer, Inc.

“Law enforcement agencies are deeply concerned that there might be more “e-sabong” related abductions and disappearances than that of reported… It appears that the abductions were well-planned and was probably done by trained and organized groups,” the resolution read.

At a Senate hearing last week, PAGCOR Acting Assistant Vice President for E-Sabong Department Diane Erica Jogno said the agency will heed the suspension of the licenses of the e-sabong.—LDF, GMA News