More than 1,000 persons involved in illegal gambling nabbed in month-long operation in C. Visayas
CEBU CITY – More than 1000 individuals were arrested during a month-long intensified campaign by the police against illegal gambling in Central Visayas.
Most of the 1,147 arrested individuals arrested in October were involved in unauthorized small town lottery (STL) operations.
Col. Rommel Ochave, chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO), said the police have exerted extra efforts to run after those involved in illegal numbers game called ‘swertres’ after the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) sought the help of the police.
“The PCSO has been complaining that unauthorized STL operations have affected its revenue,” said Ochave.
Last month, Ochave said the CPPO launched 506 anti-illegal gambling operations.
The CCPO also launched its ‘huli-days’ from Oct. 26-31 where it conducted 234 anti-illegal operations that led to the arrest of 578 persons.
Ochave said that just last week, the CPPO arrested 64 persons who were caught engaged in ‘swertres.’
Last Saturday (Nov. 12), operatives of the Carcar City Police Station caught two persons allegedly selling number combinations in Sitio Proper, Barangay Bolinawan.
The arrested persons were identified as Manilyn Responso, 22, of Barangay Candagit, Sibongatown and Carina Badayos 29, of Barangay Poblacion 3, Carcar.
In Pinamungajan town, police arrested Benito Capa, 30, for similar offense.
Police in Talisay City also arrested Michael Escabas, 22, and Sheryl Ignacio 31, also because of ‘swertres.’
“We reiterate that we are serious in our campaign against those involved illegal numbers game,” warned Ochave.