Four men were arrested on Friday during a police operation against illegal gambling in Barangay Camindoroan in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, authorities reported.

According to Major Benjamin Raquedan, San Juan police chief, his team responded to a tip from a concerned citizen about ongoing illegal gambling at a wake in the barangay.

Acting on the report, Raquedan said they immediately conducted a tactical operation that led to the arrest of the suspects caught in the act of playing the prohibited card game “Pepito” with cash bets.

Confiscated from the suspects were playing cards and a total of ₱3,607 in various denominations. The evidence was inventoried and marked in the suspects’ presence.

The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and told that the operation was recorded in compliance with AM No. 21-06-08-SC (Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras).

They were then brought to the San Juan Police Station for proper booking and later underwent medical examinations at Magsingal District Hospital.

Raquedan said charges for violating Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling Law) are being prepared against the suspects.