The Philippine National Police has expressed apprehension that money from illegal gambling operations will be used in the local and national elections next year.

The concern was raised by Senior Supt Edward Carranza, director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, during a command conference in the province last week.

Carranza, however, said he considers this a challenge to his leadership, and reiterated the “no take” policy of the police. He said the PNP Regional Intelligence Group is going after policemen who are benefiting from the so-called payola of financiers of “swertres”, an illegal numbers game.

“It’s an open secret who these financiers are, and it’s just a matter of time before they are caught,” Carranza said, adding that Secretary Jesse Robredo, of the Department of Interior and Local Government, has issued marching orders to the PNP on the issue.

Carranza said “swertres” financiers in Negros Oriental are few, and he challenged the chiefs of police to resign if they cannot do something about the illegal operation.*JG

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