ILOILO CITY – Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. wants the performance of Police Col. Ronald Palomo as Iloilo police chief validated.
“We have to validate and assess. Categorically, we cannot say what our recommendation. We have to be fair,” said Defensor on Wednesday, March 20, after Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Police Regional Office-6 chief, bared that Palomo may be removed and replaced as Iloilo police chief for his zero accomplishment in the campaign against illegal gambling last week.

ILOILO Gov. Arthur 'Toto' Defensor Jr. meets PRO-6 chief Police Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky and Iloilo police director Col. Ronaldo Palomo during a recent courtesy call. With them is Provincial Administrator Raul Banias. (Raul Banias FB page)
“It was a public pronouncement. What is the basis of the pronouncement?” Defensor added during a press conference.
But the governor did express concern over how illegal gambling may proliferate after 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corp. recently lost its license as the only company authorized to legally operate Small Town Lottery (STL) in the 42 towns and component city of Passi.
He pointed out that illegal gambling was one of the key concerns that he mentioned during a recent meeting with Wanky and Palomo. The others were illegal drugs, illegal fishing, and illegal quarry operations.
Defensor said he will talk with Wanky.
The governor assured his administration will work closely with the regional and provincial police forces.