15 persons nabbed for gambling in funeral wake

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

Card games are illegal, even if played in funeral wakes.

On September 17, 2021, authorities nabbed 15 persons in separate wakes in the city and province of Iloilo.

Patrolling members of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) arrested seven persons at Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district around 9:30 p.m. Monday.

They were identified as Manilyn Ong, 34; a 17-year old girl; Cherry Joy Felix, 23; Grace Ann Buenaflor, 28; Scarden Pellega, 19; John Christian Ochon, 20; and Angeli Matias, 28. All are residents of Sooc village, Arevalo.

Recovered were two tables, nine chairs, two sets of playing cards, and cash bets of P1,552.

Captain Chen Tañagras, ICPS6 chief, said the suspects were caught in plain view playing cards outside the house where a wake is being held.

“Before our operation, we have warned them at least twice against playing card games. We have cited to them the provisions on holding wakes like only close family members should be present,” she said.

When police conducted roving patrol operations, the gamblers would stop playing but allegedly went back once the police left the area.

“And I think that’s not good. It’s as if they make fun of us,” she said.

At 10:50 p.m., members of Batad Police Station in Iloilo province also arrested eight persons for playing cards games at a wake in Barangay Quiazan Florete.

The suspects were identified as Marvin Sylvirio, Roger Panisales, Rodmer Bonso, Jarold Castor, Precel Bandojo, Rosela Napal, Regie Rodrigo, and Alberto Bandojo.

They were allegedly caught playing pusoy and tong-its.

Seized were two sets of playing cards and P2,969 cash bets.

Lieutenant Ma. Rosela Bienvenida, Batad police chief, said the suspects were also caught in plain view by roving policemen.

She said that the village chief has already warned the household against allowing gambling while holding the wake.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have encouraged that wakes should be done within three days and only close family members are allowed.

Gambling is also not allowed since the minimum health protocols like physical distancing and wearing of face masks are usually not followed.