34 billiard players, enthusiasts nabbed; P326K cash bet seized

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Police arrested 34 billiard players and enthusiasts following a raid in La Paz, Iloilo City late evening of January 15, 2021.

The operation stemmed from reports that promoters and financiers have been conducting guerrilla billiard games in the metropolis.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Special Operations Unit and ICPO Intelligence Section, together with La Paz Police Station, barged into a billiard hall 11 pm Friday.

Major Rene Obregon, ICPO Intelligence Section chief, said they arrested 34 persons who either played or placed bets.

Police also seized cash bets amounting to PHP326,216.

Obregon said the cash bets were “surrendered” to at least two persons and will be given to winning bettors once the games ended.

The players were on the third set of their Race-to-6 game when policemen arrived.

Aside from cash, cops also recovered 14 pieces billiard sticks, a set of billiard balls, four cases of billiard sticks, a billiard table, and a triangle billiard setter.

Obregon said the place was owned by a certain Raymond. Promoters have been constantly changing venues to avoid arrest.

Barangay officials claimed they were unaware of billiard games played in the area. Only players and bettors were allowed entry.

Police claimed they slithered through the place after one of the bettors went out.

Because of the number of arrested suspects, police placed them in several lock-up cells,

Twelve were detained at La Paz Police Station, eight in Molo, six in City Proper, four in Mandurriao, and two each in Arevalo and Jaro.

Obregon said the suspects were charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 before the Iloilo City Prosecutors Office evening of January 16.

Some have already posted bail.