391 arrested in WV anti-gambling push

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has made illegal gambling enforcement a top priority, executing 127 operations across Western Visayas in April 2024 alone.

These concerted efforts led to the arrest of 391 individuals and the recovery of P206,328.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) conducted the most operations, totaling 71, which resulted in 205 arrests.

Following closely, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) carried out 11 operations with 41 arrests, while the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) undertook 10 operations, leading to 17 arrests.

Additionally, the Capiz Police Provincial Office executed 10 operations with 15 arrests; the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) conducted 9 operations resulting in 69 arrests; the Antique Police Provincial Office carried out 7 operations with 16 arrests; the Aklan Police Provincial Office held 5 operations with 17 arrests; and the Guimaras Police Provincial Office managed 4 operations with 11 arrests.

The Iloilo City Police Office recorded the highest number of arrests in a single operation, with its City Intelligence Unit apprehending 29 individuals during a poker tournament in Aurora Subdivision, City Proper district.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the Western Visayas police chief, has vowed to maintain relentless efforts against illegal gambling activities. He also urged all unit commanders throughout the region to intensify their enforcement campaigns.

“Those who operate illegally should be continually subject to law enforcement operations,” Wanky emphasized.