CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Five alleged gamblers were caught during intensified anti-illegal gambling operations of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur on Monday, May 1.
PRO 13 Regional Director P/Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra ll told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday the five were arrested after being caught playing ‘tong-its’ and in cockfighting.
During separate operations, police confiscated playing cards and bet money in Brgy. Nasipit in Agusan del Norte, and fighting cocks with a gaff and bet money in Barangay Mabuhay, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
“Despite our constant reminders, some people continue to engage in illegal gambling activities,” said Brig. Gen. Labra.
“In April 2023 alone, our aggressive anti-illegal gambling operations resulted in the arrest of 122 suspects and confiscation of P95,328 bet money,” he said.
“With these accomplishments, people can expect a more aggressive fight against illegal activities,” warned Brig. Gen. Labra.
The region’s top police official reminded the public that Republic Act No. 9287 or the Illegal Number Games provides a minimum penalty of imprisonment from 30 days to 90 days if such a person acts as a bettor and a maximum penalty of imprisonment from 16 years and one day to 20 years if such person acts as a protector or coddler.
The police are now preparing charges against the five arrested gamblers.