CEBU CITY – A barangay councilor and three others were arrested for playing mahjong in public Tuesday, July 26, in Jagna, Bohol.
Arrested were Rowel Baja Ortiz, 49, a barangay councilor of Pagina, Jagna; Michel Salaum Sajulga, 43; Casimiro Sajulga Cagas, 39, and Elaine Estoque Arellano, 51.
Police Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, said the four arrested persons were chanced upon by operatives of the Jagna Police Station playing mahjong in an outdoor area that can be openly seen by the public.
Vega said Ortiz playing mahjong in public view was unbecoming of a public official.
“Public servants must serve as an example of good conduct and behave with integrity. We should be responsible in everything that we do,” said Vega.
Vega said the councilman and the three other arrested persons will face charges for violating Presidential Decree 1602 which penalizes illegal gambling.