CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office (PRO)-13 reported on Saturday, July 15, the arrest of 13 persons for illegal gambling in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on Thursday, July 13.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II said seven persons, including five women, were nabbed for playing the card game “tong-its” in the towns of Carmen and Cortes and the city of Bislig in Surigao del Sur. Suspects yield P790 bet money and other illegal gambling paraphernalia.
An individual was apprehended in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur for engaging in “tari-tari” or cockfighting.
Two minors were caught playing the coin game “cara y cruz” or “hantak” in Barangay Lapaz, Bayabas, Surigao del Sur. They were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper disposition.
Three persons were nabbed in Barangay Cantapoy, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, for playing tong-its.
Labra said those arrested will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1602 which prescribes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling.
“With our intensified anti-illegal gambling operations in place, rest assured that our accomplishments will increase in the coming days.”
“Aside from losing substantial amounts of money in illegal gambling, anyone shall face charges for violating the provisions of the law,” Labra added.