29 nabbed in Albay jueteng raid

Contributed photo from PNP KASUROG BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay— Twenty nine persons were arrested after police raided a jueteng operation in Barangay Sipi in Daraga, Albay.

Police Brig. Gen. Erosito N. Miranda, Bicol police director, said the crackdown stemmed from reports received from the public and the media.

“The suspects were caught on Thursday around 9:24 p.m. while engaged in illegal numbers games and failed to present documents to prove the legality of their activities,” Miranda said in a statement.

Police seized jueteng booklets labeled “CODE 128 Collection Report Form,” columnar pads with number combinations, electronic calculators, a set of electric tambyolo with numbered balls, other gambling paraphernalia, and about P240,000 in bet money.

Contributed photo from PNP KASUROG BICOL

The suspects and confiscated items were taken to the Daraga municipal police station.

Charges of violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, or the Illegal Numbers Game Law, are being prepared against them, Miranda said.

“This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of our close coordination with the media and the community. Police Regional Office 5 remains committed to relentlessly pursuing illegal gambling activities that undermine peace and order. We urge the public to continue reporting illegal activities, as their cooperation is vital in sustaining our gains in the campaign against illegal gambling,” he said.