Drive vs illegal gambling: Nearly 4K nabbed in Central Luzon since January

FILE PHOTO. Illegal gambling —DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.

OLONGAPO CITY — At least 3,878 people were arrested, while more than P1.3 million in cash bets were confiscated in various anti-illegal gambling operations in Central Luzon since January this year, authorities said Thursday, May 19.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said a total of 886 police operations aimed at cracking down on illegal gambling were carried out in the region since Jan. 1.

“Gambling addiction, like illegal drugs, robs the rationality of a person both young and old as it affects both their potential and productivity,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, PRO3 director.

He added: “It (gambling) causes a threat to the community when an individual is forced to do something to sustain his/her gambling addiction.”

Baccay also warned that policemen involved in the proliferation of illegal gambling in their areas would face appropriate sanctions.