4 nabbed for alleged illegal gambling at Iloilo wake

ILOILO CITY — Four people were arrested for allegedly playing cara y cruz, a traditional coin-tossing game locally known as tumbo, during a wake in Leon, Iloilo, late Saturday, Oct. 10.

Police identified the suspects as alias Ariel, 48, of Barangay Mina, Leon; alias Rolando, 52, of Barangay Capt. Fernando, Leon; alias Sandy, 55, of Barangay Isian Victoria, Leon; and Arnold, 52, a barangay kagawad from R. Tabiana St., Barangay Poblacion, Leon.

Police said Ariel was acting as the collector while the three other suspects were bettors when officers raided the wake along Cala-or St. in Barangay Poblacion at about 10:30 p.m.

Authorities seized a cara y cruz table, three coins used in the game, a wooden box with chalk, PHP 1,000 in cash and PHP 740 in bet money.

Lt. Cosmeflor Marco Jr., Leon police chief, said the wake was on its final night when police conducted the operation.

He said more than 20 people ran in different directions upon seeing the police operatives.

Asked why police made arrests even though the game was being played at a wake, Marco said the activity allegedly violated Presidential Decree No. 1602, which imposes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling.

Asked whether police take similar action at other wakes, Marco said they do as long as authorities are able to monitor the activity.

The four suspects remain detained and are expected to face charges for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602.