IPPO director warned on dismal showing

ILOILO CITY: Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director BGen. Jack Wanky has warned Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Col. Ronaldo Palomo of a possible dismissal if his lackluster performance against illegal gambling continues.

Wanky raised concerns about the potential repercussions on Palomo’s position owing to less apprehensions in the provincial police’s anti-illegal gambling operations.

PRO-6 data showed that IPPO conducted only three successful anti-illegal gambling operations from March 3 to 10.

Wanky emphasized that if Palomo could not fulfill his duties at IPPO, he might be relieved of his role as provincial director.

“If they do not achieve any accomplishments within the week, we will once again formally send directives to them to intensify their efforts against illegal gambling. If there is still no progress, it will be the basis for us to let them go. If he cannot handle his job, we might as well recommend relief,” he said in a press conference on Tuesday.

Wanky said he had expected an increase in police operations following the cessation of illegal small town lottery (STL) operations in the province of Iloilo.

The authorized STL agent corporation in the province, 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corp., halted its operations on February 28th.

Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said he would talk with Wanky to discuss the rationale behind his announcement.

“I will talk with the PNP on what the significance of that pronouncement is coming from the regional director. We will get involved on whatever level the local chief executive can,” he said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“In the meantime, we will continue working with our provincial director. I will continue to give my full support,” he added.

Palomo assumed the role of IPPO director in March 2023.

With his appointment, one of Defensor’s three directives to Palomo is to curb illegal gambling in the province.

Defensor highlighted that the presence of illegal operators leads to revenue losses in the province.