TACLOBAN CITY – Police arrested 560 individuals in the simultaneous One-Time, Big-Time (OTBT) operation against illegal gambling in Eastern Visayas from Sept. 12 to 18.
Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, Police Regional Office 8 director, said P77,420.75 in bet money was seized in 195 operations against illegal cockfighting or “tupada,” “cara y cruz,” “pusoy” (poker), “tong-its,” “Lucky 9,” “mahjong,” “video karera” (horse race on video), and bookies.
Two of those arrested were operators, one financier, 167 bettors, eight ushers, 11 collectors, and 371 players.
Marbil said that police have filed 129 cases in court against them.
“I direct all field units to continue to intensify your drive against all forms of illegal gambling in your areas of jurisdiction to prevent these violators and operators from engaging further in similar illicit activities,” Marbil said.
Just last Thursday, Sept. 8, PRO-8 arrested 314 persons in 109 OTBT operations. Police have filed 82 cases against them.