BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is ramping up its efforts to curb illegal gambling activities in the region, with a focus on the crackdown of spider derbies.
Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, spokesperson for the PRO-6, highlighted in a recent interview the growing concern over betting on fighting spiders.
“So far our efforts against illegal gambling have included the apprehension of those involved in spider derbies where money is involved. This is why it falls under our campaign. Our police officers have discovered instances where betting occurs,” said Solis.
He added: “We conduct operations whenever we receive reports or find areas where spiders are used for gambling, especially when money is at stake.”
Solis further said that the issue goes beyond gambling; they are also concerned about the environmental impact of capturing and using spiders for derbies.
“Aside from falling under illegal gambling, we should also recognize the importance of spiders in our environment, which is why we need to protect them,” he emphasized.
The PRO-6 spokesperson noted that minors have also been observed participating in these activities.
“We’ve seen instances where minors are involved, and there have been cases in Western Visayas where minors were caught engaging in spider derbies,” Solis said.
While the betting amounts in spider derbies are generally small, the police have encountered challenges in apprehending individuals due to the discreet nature of betting.
“The directive from the PRO-6 regional director is clear: ‘intensify the campaign against all forms of illegal gambling, including spider derbies.’ Our regional director has ordered all commanders to intensify their campaign against illegal gambling in their areas of responsibility. Any activity that involves betting money without government sanction or permit is considered illegal, and spider derbies fall under this,” Solis said.
Solis also warned those who are still participating in spider derby betting.
“Holding spider derbies is illegal because it involves money. And we also want to protect the spiders. It’s better to stop this activity. Once the police receive information or spot this activity, they can conduct operations and arrest those involved,” he said./PN
