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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Negros Oriental municipal police chief sacked over illegal gambling

Negros Oriental municipal police chief sacked over illegal gambling

Published Jun 18, 2026 10:55 pm
BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) relieved Police Major Fortunato Sabio Villafuerte, chief of the Sibulan Municipal Police Station in Negros Oriental, for failure to stop illegal gambling.
Villafuerte, who was relieved under the One Strike Policy on illegal gambling, was relieved in an order issued Thursday, June 18, by Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR chief, following an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) in Purok Mauswagon, Barangay Looc, Sibulan on Wednesday, June 17.
A woman arrested for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 9287, the law against illegal gambling.
Recovered from the suspect were betting paraphernalia, betting records, cash believed to be gambling proceeds, and other pieces of evidence.
Under the OSP, police chiefs may be relieved from their posts when successful operations against illegal gambling, e-sabong, online gambling, or smuggled cigarettes are conducted by National Operational Support Units or the RSOG within their jurisdiction.
The policy is anchored on the principle of command responsibility and may be implemented without prejudice to further investigation and possible administrative charges.
The PRO-NIR said that Villafuerte’s relief is an administrative measure intended to strengthen accountability and ensure the effective enforcement of anti-criminality programs.
He will remain under investigation regarding command responsibility and compliance with operational directives.
Cardiño stressed that the policy serves not only as a disciplinary mechanism but also as a means to promote vigilance and proactive leadership among police commanders.
“It reinforces our commitment to accountability and command responsibility,” Cardiño said, noting that police leaders are expected to exercise effective supervision and aggressively address illegal activities within their areas of responsibility.
He added that the policy sends a clear message that complacency has no place in law enforcement and that public trust is earned through concrete results and decisive action.
To ensure uninterrupted police operations in Sibulan, Police Capt. Mary Jean Gutierrez was designated as Sibulan MPS officer-in-charge.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom)-NIR supports the implementation of the OPS, describing it as an important tool in maintaining peace and order and enhancing crime prevention efforts in the region.

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Sibulan PRO-NIR Illegal gambling Negros Oriental
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