576 nabbed in anti-illegal gambling ops

CEBU, Philippines —  Police in Central Visayas continue to go relentless against illegal gamblers with the arrest of 576 in the different parts of the region.

The personalities were apprehended in just 24 hours through the first ever Synchronized Management Police Operation (SEMPO) and illegal gambling operation, which started Thursday and concluded yesterday.

Of the 576 personalities arrested, 246 were caught playing card games, 123 were caught playing mahjong, and 121 were involved in an illegal operation of Small Town Lottery (STL).

Aside from the confiscated gambling machines and other gambling paraphernalia, police also seized P64,537 in cash.

Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, Police Regional Office-7 director, said they launched the program to help eradicate illegal gambling and drug trading.

He said drug peddlers use illegal gambling as a cover up to their illegal drug business.

“Ang ubang video karera, moli-moli video games are being used as a front sa mga drug pushers. Kadaghanang mga batan-on mogamit og drugs, pagkatapos didto magtambay sa video karera,” he said.

“Hopefully when we can control this one, bahala na og mangasuko ni pang gub-on namo arun mabawas-bawasan ang problema namo sa Central Visayas,” he added.

On the other hand, Senior Superintendent Royina Garma, Cebu City Police Office director, said most of the arrested personalities in the city were bet collectors of illegal STLs.

"May mga tellers and ushers who claim to be members of Sinsilyo Corporation. They claim to be members of it but if you look into the list submitted to us by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) na-authorize to operate here in Cebu City under Sinsilyo wala sila doon,” she said.

“Including yung booth nila di pa pala inspected and approved ng PCSO, so that makes their operation illegal,” she added.

Manila-based Sinsilyo Corporation is Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's exclusive authorized STL agent in Cebu City.  — KBQ (FREEMAN)