CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police arrested 17 individuals in the campaign against illegal gambling in the Caraga region from September 18 to 25.

Police Regional Office-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Kirby John B. Kraft said  nine illegal gamblers were apprehended in Agusan del Sur, four in Surigao del Sur, two in Surigao del Norte, and two in Butuan City.

Kraft said suspects were caught playing and betting on Swertres, Last 2, mahjong, and local illegal gambling games called “tukis-tukis” or cockfighting and “hantak” (coin game).

Police seized P5,306 in bet money and illegal gambling paraphernalia from the suspects.

Suspects have been charged for violation of Republic Act No. 9287 or the “An act increasing the penalties for illegal numbers games, amending certain provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1602, and for other purposes.”

“We take a serious stance against all forms of unlawful gambling activities in our region and will enforce the laws against those who continue to engage in these activities,” Kraft said.