ILOILO City – Police operatives across Western Visayas arrested 613 individuals and confiscated over P257,000 in bet money during a four-month intensified crackdown against illegal gambling.
Data released by Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) showed that various units conducted a total of 268 anti-illegal gambling operations from June 1 to Sept. 30, 2026, targeting unauthorized gambling activities in the region.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) posted the highest number of arrests, apprehending 214 individuals across 73 separate operations. The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) followed with 121 arrests from 86 operations, while the Aklan Police Provincial Office (AKPPO) netted 81 suspects in 31 operations.
Other provincial offices and specialized operating units under PRO-6 contributed to the remaining arrests and seizures. In total, law enforcers seized P257,888.05 in gambling proceeds and illegal paraphernalia.
PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño commended operating units for their sustained efforts, warning offenders that police intelligence gathering remains continuous.
“Walang puwang ang ilegal na sugal sa Western Visayas at iba pang iligal na gawain. Ang 268 na operasyon at 613 na naaresto ay malinaw na patunay na hindi natutulog ang inyong kapulisan sa pagpapatupad ng batas,” stated Tuaño.
He added: “Sa mga patuloy na lumalabag, huwag ninyong ipagkamaling kahinaan ang katahimikan ng kapulisan, patuloy kaming kumikilos, nagtitipon ng impormasyon, at nagsasagawa ng mga operasyong nakabatay sa ebidensiya upang kayo ay mapanagot sa ilalim ng batas. Hindi natin hahayaang maging sanhi ng pagkasira ng kabuhayan at pamilya ang ilegal na pagsusugal. Kasama ang ating mga mamamayan, paiigtingin natin ang kampanyang ito para sa mas ligtas at maayos na mga komunidad.”/PN
