Over 700 illegal gamblers arrested in Cebu during Holy Week

Approximately 700 individuals who were engaged in illicit gambling during Holy Week were imprisoned at various facilities across Central Visayas after their capture during a string of police operations.

During Holy Week, which spanned from March 24 to March 31, the Police Regional Office-7 significantly stepped up its attack on illicit gambling businesses. 776 persons were arrested as a consequence of these concerted efforts, and P111,689 in wager money was recovered.

The Regional Director of PRO-7, Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, has already alerted the public to an extensive campaign aimed at curbing illegal gaming during Holy Week, to promote religious observances as an alternative to gambling.

Statistics show that 61 people were arrested for playing Tong-its, 13 for Mahjong, 38 for “hantak,” 99 for illegal cockfighting, 90 for unlicensed number games, and 7 for other illegal gambling-related offenses.

The individuals who were arrested are now being held in various police facilities, and 237 of them are already being charged by the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) for violating Presidential Decree 1602.

Aberin emphasized that in order to eradicate this evil from Central Visayas, law enforcement and the community must have a strong and continuous collaboration in the battle against illegal gambling, even beyond Holy Week.

Original story by: Philippine Star