Six mothers, including a suspected coordinator, and two fathers were arrested in a series of police operations against the illegal numbers game Swertres in various parts of Cebu province.
First Operation in Pinamungajan
On the evening of May 27, 2026, police arrested a suspected coordinator identified only as alias Gregoria, 54, in Barangay Sibago, Pinamungajan town. Also arrested with her was her usher, alias Zariaz, 64, a resident of Barangay Guimbawi-an in the same town. The two were caught accepting bets. Seized from them were PHP 1,900 in cash, gambling paraphernalia, and an additional PHP 150 in proceeds from alias Zariaz.
Subsequent Operations
On the afternoon of May 26, in Barangay Binabag, Pinamungajan, police arrested a 32-year-old mother and usher, alias Jessica. The operation was conducted through a bet-bust in coordination with personnel from Kin Dragon Gaming and Amusement Corporation. Confiscated from her were a bundle of stub sheets, number combinations, PHP 20 bet-bust money, and PHP 130 in proceeds.
Another grandmother, alias Mina, 64, was arrested in Barangay Lamac, Pinamungajan, on the afternoon of May 27 after being caught issuing Swertres tickets. Police seized a bundle of stubs, numbers, and PHP 170 in cash.
Arrests in Bantayan and Liloan
Due to the hardships of life, a 60-year-old grandmother found herself in jail on the evening of May 26 in Barangay Lipayran, Bantayan town. Alias Titang was caught issuing numbers to a customer. Recovered from her were PHP 150 in proceeds and gambling paraphernalia. According to Lola Titang, poverty drove her to engage in the illegal activity.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Jubay, Liloan town, police arrested alias Lou, 64, a mother and usher, on the afternoon of May 26. Seized from her were PHP 75 in proceeds and gambling documents.
Fathers Also Arrested
In addition to the mothers, two fathers were also nabbed in separate operations. A 66-year-old father, alias Benigno, was arrested on the morning of May 29 in Purok Juranta, Barangay Daantabogon, Tabogon town, where PHP 50 in bets and paraphernalia were confiscated.
Meanwhile, in Sitio Tabunok, Barangay Cotcot, Liloan town, a 59-year-old father and usher, alias Sopio, was arrested on the evening of May 27. Seized from him were PHP 140 in proceeds and Swertres equipment.
Charges
All detainees will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9287, or the Anti-Illegal Gambling Law.
