Metro Manila cops arrest over 2,500 people in anti-illegal gambling drive
At A Glance
- NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the operations from June 2 to July 23 this year also resulted in the confiscation of around P567,000 cash as bets for various illegal gambling such as "ending", "loteng" and horse-racing bookies.
Police forces in Metro Manila arrested over 2,500 people during the 50-day anti-illegal gambling operations in the metropolis from June 2, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) disclosed.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the operations from June 2 to July 23 this year also resulted in the confiscation of around P567,000 cash as bets for various illegal gambling such as “ending”, “loteng” and horse-racing bookies.
He said the operation also includes those from the information received from local residents about illegal gambling activities through 911 calls.
“We urge the public to continue reporting illegal gambling activities via our hotline or the 911 emergency line. Our campaign is relentless, and we are committed to cleaning up our streets,” said Aberin, saying the period operation covers the day when national police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III assumed the top police post.
Based on the NCRPO data, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) led in operations against illegal number games with 104 operations, resulting in 111 arrests and the confiscation of ₱53,800.
The Manila Police District (MPD) followed with 60 operations, 106 arrests, and ₱26,360 seized while the Northern Police District (NPD) conducted 38 operations, yielding 38 arrests and ₱12,345 in confiscated bet money.
Meanwhile, the Southern Police District (SPD) carried out 11 operations, resulting in 14 arrests and ₱4,405 confiscated.
“These figures speak about the NCRPO’s serious stand against illegal number games. We are taking direct aim at these operations that not only fuel crime but also exploit our citizens,” said Aberin.
“The NCRPO assures the public that operations will persist in the weeks to come as part of its intensified law enforcement campaign,” said Aberin.