CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police arrested eight persons for illegal gambling in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, May 21.
The suspects were identified as Nel, 51; Joc, 59; Jon, 38, and Fren, 32.
They were caught in the act of playing the illegal numbers game called swertres and illegal card game tong-its in Surigao del Sur.
Rod, 28, who was wanted for illegal gambling, was nabbed in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur; and Ren, 29, Al, 29, and Bar, 18, in Barangay Poblacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Alan M. Nazarro said they will be charged for violating Republic Act No. 9287 which provides a minimum penalty of imprisonment from 30 days to 90 days if a person acts as a bettor and a maximum penalty of imprisonment from 16 years and one day to 20 years if the individual acts as a protector or coddler.
“Since April 2024, our aggressive anti-illegal gambling operations resulted in the arrest of 105 suspects and confiscation of P35,220 bet money,” Nazarro said. “With these accomplishments, people can expect a more aggressive fight against illegal activities,” Nazarro added.