The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) arrested 12 individuals, including three alleged coordinators of the illegal numbers game "swertres," in a series of operations against illegal gambling conducted within just one week this month. Those arrested have been formally charged with violating Republic Act 9287, the law prohibiting illegal gambling.
First Arrest in Bogo City
On May 11, 2026, at 4:50 PM, operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) and Bogo City Police Station apprehended Jorem Montillano Maitum, 40, married, a resident of Purok Maya, Barangay Taytayan, Bogo City. Seized from him were a bundle of intermediate pads containing number combinations, a tally sheet, a ballpen, three stubs, and PHP 3,000 in cash.
Subsequent Arrests in Barangay Taytayan
At 9:00 PM the same evening in Barangay Taytayan, another coordinator alias "Cecil," 55, was arrested. Recovered from her were two bundles of tally sheets, various gambling paraphernalia, and PHP 880 in proceeds. In the same area, authorities also arrested alias Sylvia, 55, an usher, who had PHP 200 in bets, and alias Alma, 44, a coordinator, who had numerous paraphernalia, a list of names for remittance, and PHP 810 in cash.
Arrest in Pinamungajan
Authorities also arrested alias Anna, 42, an usher from Barangay Lamac, Pinamungajan town, after she was found with several gambling paraphernalia and bets.
Arrest in Boljoon
In Sitio Talisay, Barangay Poblacion, Boljoon town, alias Jacky, 35, married, was arrested after evidence and cash amounting to PHP 1,150 were recovered from her possession.
Four Ushers Arrested in Catmon
In Catmon town, four suspected ushers were arrested by police. The operation was led by alias Alvin, 41, a father, arrested on Thursday, May 14, at 6:30 PM in Barangay Catmondaan, with PHP 520 in bets. He was followed by alias Famela, 32, single, with PHP 120 in bets; alias Brenda, 48, from Barangay Tabili, with PHP 150 in bets; and alias Sebio, 19, single, from Barangay Macaas, who also had various gambling paraphernalia.
Incident in Badian
In Badian town, a confrontation occurred during an operation on Friday, May 15, at 5:30 PM in Barangay Alawijao. Members of the Regional Intelligence Division (RID 7) and AAC King Dragon Gaming Corporation caught alias Ruffa, 34, issuing a ticket to a customer. When asked for a legal government document, the suspect could not produce any. Recovered from her were PHP 150 in bets and paraphernalia. During the arrest, an employee of AAC King Dragon Gaming Corporation was injured after being hit with a piece of wood by Ruffa's sibling.
