A POLICE major was arrested by operatives of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) last Saturday night at a casino in Pasay City while gambling, in violation of laws and PNP regulations.
PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. announced yesterday the arrest of Maj. Rolando Isidro, 51, a resident of Quezon City.
Isidro is assigned with the Personnel Holding and Accounting Section of the PNP Security Protection Group at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame.
Isidro was nabbed by IMEG operatives, in coordination with other police units, at around 6:20 p.m. at the Resorts World Manila Casino after a concerned citizen reported seeing Isidro playing slot machines at the establishment.
“Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr recently prohibited police officers from getting involved in all forms of illegal activities,” said IMEG chief Brig. Gen. Warren De Leon.
“This (actuation of Isidro) doesn’t give a good impression in their conduct as law enforcers. The bottom line is, we discourage our personnel from engaging in gambling activities since it is detrimental to their professional and personal values,” added De Leon.
Azurin, when he assumed command of the PNP last August 3, vowed to rid the police force of misfits and undesirables. He said the PNP would intensify its counter-intelligence operations under the agency’s intensified internal cleaning program.
Isidro is facing charges for violation of Article 231 of the Revised Penal Code for disobeying an order of a superior officer and violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
Isidro, who is currently detained at the IMEG headquarters at Camp Crame, will also face administrative charges in the PNP, which may lead to his dismissal from the service.
Section 3 of the PNP Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards prohibits policemen from patronizing gambling and other establishments devoted to vices, unless on official duty.
“We assure the public that we will continue our aggressive campaign to rid our ranks of this kind of police destroying our organization,” said De Leon.