By Aaron Dioquino
Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, on Tuesday ordered the police station commanders to step up the drive against illegal gambling in their respective turfs.
The QCPD chief issued the directive following the relief of two station commanders and seven precinct chiefs from their posts due to the presence of illegal gambling activities in their areas.

In a span of 24 hours, at least 29 people were caught engaging in illegal gambling, such as card games, cara y cruz, and online sabong, in the city.
Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Major Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. told the police officials to observe the Philippine National Police (PNP) “one-strike policy” in the intensified campaign against illegal gambling.
Under the one-strike policy, station commanders who fail to act on the illegal gambling operations in their areas will be relieved from their posts immediately.
"Immediate relief without a room for bargaining -- this is what PCP commanders and station commanders will face should a case of illegal gambling happen in their jurisdiction,” Danao said.
"Those who will try to go against this policy shall definitely be dealt with the full force of all existing laws and PNP policies," he added.