GAMBLING SAP CASH. Those arrested for gambling away their cash assistance get a dressing down from city police chief Lt. Col. Paul Gamido. Contributed photo
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Six beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were arrested for gambling and drinking liquor in separate operations by the city police.
In Northville, Bafangay Calulut, three SAP recipients were caught playing “tong-its” with another resident last April 27.
City police chief Lt. Col. Paul Gamido those arrested violated Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, and Presidential Decree 1602 which imposes penalties for illegal gambling.
In Sitio Pangulo, Barangay Del Carmen, three other SAP beneficiaries caught in the act of drinking liquor were also arrested by the police as they were conducting “Patrolya ng Bayan” operations.
Police said this was just a few hours after the distribution of the cash assistance on April 30. The three violated Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern act, Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code, and the local liquor ban. The arrested individuals are now in police custody.
The SAP is a cash emergency subsidy program of the DSWD which prioritizes Filipino families greatly affected by the enhance community quarantine.
The DSWD earlier advised that the cash assistance should only be used for essential goods for the family and should not be used for all types of gambling, buying alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, or any non-essential items.
The DSWD started distributing the SAP cash assistance in the City of San Fernando on April 12, 2020.
The distribution activities in Barangay Calulut were held on April 12, 14, 15, 21, and 22 while Barangay Del Carmen had their payout on April 30.
