By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) arrested 24 individuals through anti-illegal gambling operations between May 4 to 6.

Based on data provided by BCPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, 20 were found in violation of Presidential Decree 1602, signed by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, which increase penalties for illegal gambling violators.

The other four, meanwhile, were found in violation of RA 9287, which increased penalties on those found to be engaged in illegal numbers games.

Ebreo also said, during the operations, they recovered P1,385 worth of gambling money and have filed 10 cases in court.

The BCPO chief pointed out, the operations were part of a joint effort between the 10 police stations in the city and City Intelligence Unit (CIU) head, Police Superintendent Nasruddin Tayuan.

He also urged city residents to inform the nearest police stations if they suspect there are illegal gambling activities in their community./DGB, WDJ