Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa announced on Thursday the relief from their posts of three senior police officials in Central Visayas for violating the ban on playing golf on weekdays.
In a press briefing, Gamboa said he ordered on Wednesday night the relief of Col. Dennis Artil, the regional chief comptroller; Lt. Col. Richard Bad-Ang, the chief of the finance service; and Lt. Col. Glenn Mayam, the director of the regional Drug Enforcement Group.
The three officials were reassigned at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) in Camp Crame while undergoing investigation for flagrant violation of a specific directive, which Gamboa said constitutes grave misconduct.
He said the three were playing golf every Tuesdays and Thursdays “or also during Wednesdays when they are bored.”
Gamboa said the promotion of two out of the three officials might be halted due to their violations.
“It’s strike one for regional director PRO (Police Regional Office) 7,” Gamboa said, referring to Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon.
Gamboa reiterated the policy which he implemented when he was still officer-in-charge.
“As I have said just three days ago, now that I am Chief PNP, I am vested with greater authority to implement the program of internal cleansing and organizational reform, even with iron fists if it will be necessary,” he said.
Gamboa said police personnel were only allowed to play golf during weekends.