Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered the filing of administrative charges against two policemen who were caught during an anti-gambling operation in Mati City in Davao Oriental.
He identified them as Police Corporal Linwell Salvana and Police Staff Sergeant John Declem. They were caught during an illegal cockfighting game in Barangay Dahican in Mati City.
“I have already directed the RD, PRO11 to disarm, restrict under custody and file administrative charges against them. What they did was embarrassing to the PNP because instead of stopping this kind of activity, they were among those arrested," said Eleazar.
Following the arrest of the policemen, Eleazar also directed a thorough probe to determine if there are other policemen involved,
He added that the arrest and the investigation on the two cops should serve as a warning for other policemen.
"I am warning other police officers that you will be in big trouble once you are caught engaging in these kinds of illegal activities," said Eleazar.
He also encouraged the public to immediately report if they know any police officers who have been involved in criminal or other lawless acts.
Aside from the two cops, a civilian, identified as Noel Escasinas, was also arrested during the operation last Sunday. The three will be facing charges for allegedly violating the Presidential Decree 449 or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.