Six individuals were arrested by police in separate operations against the illegal numbers game 'swertres' on the evening of Friday, July 3, 2026, in the towns of Balamban and Dumanjug.
First Operation in Barangay Nangka, Balamban
The first operation took place at 7:50 PM in Barangay Nangka, Balamban, where a coordinator and two ushers were successfully apprehended after being caught remitting proceeds from illegal gambling. The suspects were identified as alias Cherry (married, coordinator), alias Eddie (45, married, usher), and alias May (38, single, usher), all residents of Barangay Nangka. The suspects failed to present a legal permit to operate the gambling activity. Police recovered PHP 1,300 cash and other gambling paraphernalia.
Second Operation in Barangay Pondol, Balamban
Minutes later, another operation was launched by operatives of the Balamban Municipal Police Station at 8:30 PM in Barangay Pondol. Through a 'bet bust operation,' alias Berto, 74, was arrested. Seized from him were PHP 310 in proceeds, PHP 50 in bets, and stubs with number combinations.
Operations in Dumanjug
In Dumanjug, two mothers were arrested by personnel of the Dumanjug Police Station together with operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group. The suspects were alias Kristin, who was caught issuing swertres to a police decoy posing as a customer, and alias Rose, 32. From Kristin, police recovered PHP 250 cash and bet stubs, while from Rose, PHP 150 in gambling proceeds and various gambling paraphernalia were seized.
Legal Consequences
All arrested individuals are scheduled to be charged with violation of Republic Act 9287 (Illegal Numbers Game).
