Eleven police officials in Pangasinan were relieved from their posts following a series of anti-illegal gambling operations that led to the arrest of more than 170 people, authorities said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducted coordinated raids in several areas in the province in recent weeks. The operations targeted alleged illegal gambling activities, including jueteng.

Authorities said the officials were removed on April 27 under a “rule of order” due to alleged lapses and failure to properly monitor their areas of responsibility.

Those relieved include the director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office, as well as several chiefs of police in towns where jueteng operations were discovered.

The officials have been placed under the Philippine National Police Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) at Camp Crame.

During the raids, 49 suspects were arrested in San Carlos City, 40 in Rosales, 34 in Calasiao, 31 in Urdaneta City, and 25 in Manaoag.

The relieved officials have not issued any statements, as of press time.