LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Police apprehended 29 individuals playing “jueteng,” an illegal numbers game, in Barangay Sipi, Daraga town, Albay province, on Thursday night, Jan. 22.
Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-5, said the suspects were caught in the act of playing jueteng and failed to present any documents proving the legality of their operations.
Recovered from the suspects were gambling paraphernalia and bet money totaling P240,000.
The suspects and pieces of evidence were taken to the Daraga Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
The suspects face cases for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, also known as the Illegal Numbers Game Law.
Police credited the operation to reports and social media posts regarding illegal gambling in the area. A surveillance was conducted that verified the information.
Calubaquib said that the operation highlights the importance of verified information from the people and the media in law enforcement efforts.
“This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of our close coordination with the media and the community. PRO-5 remains committed to relentlessly pursuing illegal gambling activities that undermine peace and order. We urge the public to continue reporting illegal activities, as their cooperation is vital in sustaining our gains in the campaign against illegal gambling in Region 5,” PRO-5 chief Police Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said.