By Zaldy Comanda LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Despite the scare of the dreaded coronavirus, 19 people were arrested in simultaneous police operations against illegal gambling in the region over the past days. Police apprehended 10 in Baguio, one in Benguet, and eight in Abra for involvement in illegal cockfighting, bookies, “tupada (illegal cockfighting)”, and for collecting bets. In Abra, eight individuals were separately held while in the act of playing card games and cockfighting in the afternoon of March 13. They were Erwin B. Belarmino, 39; Rogie S. Queza, 45; Armando B. Samson, 41; Rogelio D. Alcantara, 61; Nora B. Baniago, 48; and Juvelene G. Castillo, 32. They were caught in the act of playing card games inside a house on Arellano St., Zone 3, Bangued, Abra. Meanwhile, Charlie Sequerra Ayco, 32 and Marnold Castillo Rafal, 35 were apprehended while placing bets at a “tupada” in Sitio Pudok, Barangay Cabuloan, Bangued, Abra, also on March 13. Recovered were two fighting cocks and P790 in betting money. In Amsing, Pacdal, Baguio City, Donald Racraven Busto; Jose Pat-ongay Wasian; Virgilio Delfin Acosta; Emmanuel Rustia Sambajon; June Lamsis Rufino; Cesar Delfin; Denver Damaso Dalisdis; Kurt Carbonel Tabon; Rufo Isiah Kiwas Binay-an; and Lester Wadas Bangcawayan were also caught in the act of placing bets at a “tupada”. Confiscated in that operation were four live fighting cocks, a dead fighting cock, a gaff and five helmets. Bet collector identified as Pedro Salongan Patras was held for collecting bets in Palina, Tuba, Benguet. Confiscated from were his cash collection amounting to P225.00, and other assorted gambling paraphernalia.