The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) announced Sunday that nearly 4,000 individuals were arrested and more than half a million pesos in bet money was seized during anti-illegal gambling operations conducted across the region from January to November 2025.
PRO-7 reported that 3,991 suspects were apprehended across 2,569 operations targeting illegal gambling activities.
The most frequent operations targeted the illegal numbers game “Swertres,” accounting for 1,807 arrests, followed by 352 operations against the coin toss game cara y cruz, locally known as “hantak,” and 256 operations against illegal card games.
Overall, these operations resulted in the seizure of 578,621 Philippine pesos used in illegal betting.
Cebu City accounted for a significant portion of the arrests, with the Cebu City Police Office catching at least 749 individuals in 391 anti-illegal gambling operations between 1 January and 5 November.
PRO-7 regional director Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan issued a strong warning to both operators and bettors.
“Those who persist in operating or participating in illegal gambling should understand that PRO-7 is determined to stamp out these activities,” Maranan said. “We will pursue every lead, conduct more operations, and file appropriate charges without hesitation.”
He also stressed the negative societal impacts.
“Illegal gambling destroys families, encourages criminal elements, and undermines community order. I urge everyone to stop now before the law catches up with you,” Maranan said.