Negros Oriental PNP director, 6 police chiefs relieved

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August 31, 2026 | 12:00am

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Negros Oriental police provincial director and six chiefs of police have been relieved from their posts following the implementation of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s “one-strike policy” against illegal gambling.

Relieved from their posts were provincial police chief Col. Timmar Alam and the chiefs of police of Ayungon, Tayasan, Sibulan and Pamplona towns and of the cities of Bayawan and Guihulngan.

The relief came after the Special Operations Group of the Negros Island Region police arrested six people on Aug. 28 over their alleged involvement in an illegal numbers game in the six localities.

Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, Negros Island Region police director, designated Col. Lito Patay as officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental police office, in addition to his current duties as deputy director for operations of the NIR police.

“Command responsibility is fundamental in the performance of every police officer,” Cardiño said, noting that the presence and continued operation of illegal gambling activities within a police unit’s area of responsibility cannot be tolerated.

Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the regional police office to intensify its campaign against illegal gambling and to impose decisive administrative action against field commanders who fail to prevent its proliferation.

Cardiño said police commanders are expected to be vigilant and proactive in preventing, detecting and addressing illegal activities in their jurisdictions.

He added that the relief of the commanders should serve as a warning to all police units and personnel that leadership carries accountability.

“This is not merely about conducting arrests. It is about ensuring that our commanders remain vigilant, proactive and fully accountable for what happens within their respective areas of responsibility,” Cardiño stressed.

Cardiño emphasized that the one-strike policy would be implemented “fairly, firmly and without exception.”