Cops arrest 7 in QC for operating illegal ‘loteng’ game

MANILA, Philippines — Police have arrested seven in Quezon City for alleged involvement in “loteng,” an illegal numbers game.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported Thursday that the arrests were made by elements of its Regional Special Operations Unit (RSOU). Those arrested were identified as Edgar Tadili, Mark Emmanuel Torres, Rhodora Gado, Zenaida Hate, Vilma Moreno, Rowena Doctor, and Emmanuel Delos Santos.

WATCH: NCRPO-RSOU operatives enter a residence in East Fairview, Quezon City where collections for illegal numbers game “Loteng” were allegedly being remitted. Seven suspects were arrested in the operation. 🎥: NCRPO @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/JYiQF8cWD1

— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) August 22, 2019

Police said the operation on Wednesday stemmed from information relayed by residents of East Fairview Subdivision on the presence of “loteng” in their community.

Police officers first placed the suspects under surveillance. It was during the surveillance that police officers noticed a woman allegedly collecting bets from “loteng” bettors.

The operatives then approached the woman and made the arrest.

Police said the woman then led operatives to the area where the collections are being remitted.

RSOU operatives spotted six other suspects allegedly counting their collections from the numbers game. The NCRPO has yet to identify the woman who led operatives to the other suspects.

During the operation, police confiscated receipts, bet collection money worth P4,045, and other items being used in “loteng.”

Charges for violation of the Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by the Republic Act 9287 penalizing illegal numbers games are now being readied against the suspects.  /muf