Police arrest six in Negros Oriental illegal gambling sweep, relieve seven officers

The Philippine National Police said the coordinated crackdown targeted illegal gambling operations across multiple municipalities in Negros Oriental. The Regional Special Operations Group led the simultaneous raids that resulted in the arrest of six individuals suspected of collecting bets for illegal numbers games.

The enforcement operations underscored growing concerns about illegal gambling activities persisting in the province despite ongoing police initiatives. Officials attributed the widespread nature of the illegal operations partly to insufficient police vigilance in various areas.

In response to the lapses in enforcement, the PNP relieved seven police officers from their posts for failing to effectively prevent or suppress illegal gambling activities within their respective areas of responsibility. The move signals the national police force's commitment to holding commanders accountable for illegal gambling operations conducted under their watch.

The arrests and personnel actions are part of broader national police efforts to curb illegal gambling, which authorities say fuels criminal activity and undermines community safety. The PNP has conducted similar operations in other regions as part of its mandate to enforce anti-gambling laws nationwide.