Iloilo PNP strengthens drive vs gambling to avert COVID spread

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Any form of unsanctioned gambling would not be tolerated, not just because it is illegal but also for public health reasons.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has been cracking down on card games such as pusoy, tong-its, and poker, among others as these activities lead to mass gathering, which is discouraged amid the pandemic.

On top of enforcing anti-illegal gambling-related laws, Colonel Gilbert Gorero, IPPO director, said their campaign against illegal gambling also aims to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“During contact tracing, we learned that some of those who tested positive have been to funeral wakes and participated in gambling activities like card games,” Gorero said.

Iloilo’s top cop said they have also been reiterating since the pandemic’s onset that they will not tolerate illegal gambling, even in wakes, as it would be hard to maintain physical distancing, which is one the preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19.

Relatedly, a group of young men was arrested in an anti-illegal gambling operation around 11:55 p.m. of February 10 at Serrano Street, Cabatuan town.

Lieutenant Pantaleon Amante Jr, Cabatuan PNP officer-in-charge, and his team went to the area after receiving a call that several individuals were noisily playing cards.

Amante said they caught eight men playing poker.

They were identified as Arthur Mellizas, 21, Barangay Ayaman; Cristian Dave Merzo, 22, Zaragoza Street; Marchael Nandin, 21, Aragon Street; Earlan John Guilamo, 21, Barangay Banguit; Joseph Angelo Fragados, 21, of Bermejo Street; Carl Jove Sadava, 21, Serrano Street; and Esmael Montaño Jr., 22, and Jose Martin Sadava, 22, both residents of Rizal Ilawod, Cabatuan.

Corporal Linel Tormon, Cabatuan police investigator, said the game was held at Carl Jove’s house. His mother allegedly tried to caution them, but the youngsters went on playing while making so much noise.

Tormon surmised that they may have been drunk.

The suspects claimed they gathered to study their modules until they decided to play poker for a while.

Police recovered a set of playing cards and P170 cash bet.

The suspects are now detained and will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602.