1-day op nets 161 illegal gambling suspects in Caraga

BUTUAN CITY – Some 161 individuals allegedly engaged in illegal gambling activities were arrested in Caraga Region during a daylong simultaneous police operations, the regional police office said Wednesday.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13) said the operation carried out Tuesday is in line with the MKK=K program of the Philippine National Police under the leadership of Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

The MKK=K program stands for Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, at Kaunlaran.

A total of PHP58,636 bet money was seized during the 109 anti-illegal gambling operations Tuesday, PRO-13 said.

Of the 109 police operations, 32 were conducted in Surigao del Sur, 21 in Agusan del Sur, 20 in Agusan del Norte, 18 in Surigao del Norte and six in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

Seven anti-illegal gambling operations were also conducted in Butuan City and five by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-13.

Twenty-four illegal gambling operators and 137 bettors were arrested during the operations involved in a card game, cockfighting, bookies, mahjong, cara y cruz, peryahan ng bayan and other gambling activities.

“The MKK=K program focuses on intensifying the anti-criminality campaign of the police to ensure peace and order in the community,” PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., said.

All arrested suspects will face appropriate charges in court, Caramat said.

Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1183112