Nine individuals were arrested while more than P108,000 in cash was confiscated during an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station shortly before midnight on Sunday in Barangay 6, San Juan Bautista, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.

Police said the operation was carried out at around 11:53 p.m. on July 12, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects who were allegedly caught in the act of playing the card game locally known as “Lucky 9,” an illegal gambling activity prohibited under Presidential Decree No. 1602.

The arrested individuals were identified as Bryant Barroga Eleccion, 27; Florence Retondo Nacuray, 33; Alejandro Apostol Mamuad Jr., 68; Vicris Agtagma Dumlao, 41; Marvin Narciso Narciso, 39; Andrew Rabut Pasalo, 36; Roger Agunoy Agtagma Jr., 30; Jayson Dumayas Mamuad, 40; and Zoren De los Santos Agtagma, 21. All are residents of Barangay 6, San Juan Bautista, San Nicolas.

Recovered during the operation were a set of playing cards, gaming paraphernalia, several tables and monoblock chairs, three cellular phones, an orange plastic tray, eight red card game pieces, and P108,076 in cash in various denominations believed to be gambling money.

Police said the operation was documented using an Alternative Recording Device (ARD). The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and their right to undergo a medical examination.

An inventory of the seized evidence was conducted at the place of arrest in the presence of the suspects and Barangay Kagawad Roland A. Mamuad of Barangay 6, San Juan Bautista.

The suspects were brought to the San Nicolas Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling in the Philippines.