TACLOBAN CITY - At least seven beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and five recipients of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) were apprehended in 12 separate anti-illegal gambling operations in Eastern Visayas on Sunday, January 17.
A total of 39 individuals, including a minor and three women, were apprehended by authorities engaging in illegal cockfighting (tupada) and card games (tong-its).
In Leyte province, five persons were arrested in Alangalang town, 12 in Mahaplag, four in Baybay City, and four in Bato town. Of those arrested, four were reported to be 4Ps beneficiaries, while five were SAP recipients.
In Northern Samar, three women were caught playing “tong-its” in Barangay Libertad, Gamay town. Two of them were 4Ps beneficiaries.
In Eastern Samar, eight persons were apprehended in illegal cockfighting activities. One of them was a 4Ps beneficiary.
Three individuals were also arrested in Sitio Tubod, Barangay Imelda in Naval, Biliran engaging in illegal cockfighting.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-8) Regional Director Ma. Angela Gopalan warned the 4Ps beneficiaries that they would be removed from the program if they are caught three times for violations of the guidelines of the programs.
She also noted that there was no specific guideline barring SAP recipients from engaging in illegal gambling.