Around 132 individuals were arrested during a raid at an illegal gambling den in a commercial building in Legarda Road, Baguio City on June 12.
Police Regional Office-Cordillera Public Information Office Chief, Lt/Col. Rodelio Olsim, reported on June 14 the operation was conducted by joint operatives of PRO-Cor and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency based on intelligence gathering and a tip from a concerned citizen.
The tip referred to alleged illegal gambling activities at the commercial building.
The operatives immediately conducted surveillance and then launched the operation after verifying the information.
PRO-Cor Director, B/Gen. Ronald Oliver Lee, citing a report from Regional Intelligence Division Chief, Col. Elmer E. Ragay, said those arrested include a police officer, table managers, and 124 bettors.
The operation also resulted in the confiscation of various gambling paraphernalia itemized as complete set for drop ball; gambling cards; one set of flat screen television for online sabong; assorted colors of chips; bet money amounting to P363,170; one laptop;
pad papers containing numerical figures for their net proceeds; assorted chairs and tables; and assorted ballpens.
The arrested suspects were brought to the PRO-Cor headquarters at Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet to undergo inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 9287.
They were later released for further investigation.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has earlier ordered the Baguio City Police Office to closely monitor barangays and take measures to stop illegal gambling activities. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
