CABANATUAN CITY – A total of 68 individuals were arrested in two separate anti-illegal gambling operations launched by the police in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Col. Marvin Joe Saro, Nueva Ecija police director, said 59 were caught betting in billiard games in Barangay San Isidro, Zaragoza town at about 7p.m.
Aside from the bet money amounting to P262,110, police also seized assorted billiard cuesticks and two sets of balls, police said.
The illegal betting, being held at the billiard hall owned by a certain Ariel Belmonte, was reportedly livestreamed on Facebook.
The nine other suspects were arrested a few hours earlier while allegedly betting on card games in Barangay San Francisco, San Antonio town, Saro said.
Police reportedly recovered P880 in bet money.
The suspects were charged with violations of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by RA 9827.
Those arrested in billiard games were slapped with additional charges of violating RA 11332 for alleged failure to observe physical distancing.
“We will continue to run after these illegal activities despite our role in the implementation of rules in the fight against Covid-19″ Saro said.
