By Mike Crismundo
CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The regional command of Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) on Wednesday reported the arrest of 91 suspects involved in illegal gambling since the implementation of community quarantine in various areas in the region.
Arrested between March 15 to March 31, those arrested will be charged with violation of the illegal gambling law, local ordinances, and the community quarantine measure.
PRO 13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. told The Manila Bulletin on Wednesday that “despite of the health crisis we are facing today and the continuous reminder of the authorities to stop engagement in illegal gambling, a number of stubborn individuals still pursue to engage in gambling activities such as swertres, tong-its, cara y cruz, mahjong, and cockfighting”.
Record from PRO 13-Regional Operations and Management Division (ROMD) shows that, for the said period, a total of 38 illegal gambling operations were conducted by police units region wide which resulted in the successful arrest of these suspects and confiscation of P18, 486 in bets.
“We are on the state of public health emergency right now because of the serious threat of an invisible enemy,” the region’s top police official said.
“Engaging in illegal gambling will not make the situation any better, it will only add to the burden of the government and of the police,” he said.
“We are not asking more from you, only cooperation. I encourage everyone to be a hero by staying at your respective homes, practice hygienic activities and maintain physical distancing (if outside home premises),” appealed Esquivel.