More than 700 “illegal gamblers” spend Holy Week in jail

CEBU, Philippines — Over 700 illegal gamblers spent their Holy Week inside the different detention facilities after they were arrested during a series of police operations min Central Visayas.

Police Regional Office-7 intensified its campaign against illegal gambling during the Holy Week starting from March 24 until March 31. The string of anti-illegal gambling operations in the region resulted in the arrest of 776 individuals and the confiscation of P111,689 worth of bet money.

PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin said the public were warned beforehand that a massive campaign against illegal gambling will be conducted during the Holy Week to ensure that people will observe the religious activities rather than engage in gambling.

The records show that 99 individuals were arrested for illegal cockfighting, 90 for illegal numbers game, 61 were arrested playing Tong-its, 13 were playing Mahjong, 38 for “hantak”, and seven for other forms of illegal gambling.

All arrested suspects have been detained in different police facilities while 237 have been charged already by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) for violation of Presidential Decree 1602.

Aberin reminded the public that the intensified campaign against illegal gambling will be sustained even after the Holy Week.

"The menace of illegal gambling should be addressed with strong and consistent measures by the police in partnership with the community and thus, it should be our collective endeavor to eradicate illegal gambling in Central Visayas," said Aberin. — (FREEMAN)