SIX persons were rounded up in Cebu Province earlier in the week, as police intensified their campaign against illegal gambling.

Police rescued a 17-year-old boy from the western town of Asturias, who was engaged in the unauthorized numbers game swertres.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Hife, chief of the Balamban Police Station, they seized gambling paraphernalia and P120 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal gambling from Eric (not his real name) on Monday, October 17, 2022.

Hife said the minor also yielded three small packets of a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

He said Eric will be charged with violating Republic Act (RA) 9287 for illegal gambling and RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

On Wednesday, October 19, police arrested Florencia Bornales, a 51-year-old resident of Barangay Talaga, Argao; Jerry Mañagas, 33, and Edwin, Cuyos, 43, both residents of Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Jubay, Liloan; and Junjun Garbo, a 35-year-old resident of Barangay Calero, Liloan.

On Friday, October 21, police arrested Aldrin Baldezamo, a 47-year-old resident of Barangay Baclayon, Boljoon.

Police seized a total of P265 believed to be proceeds from illegal gambling from the five suspects.

Authorities had announced that only the Saturn Gaming N’Amusement Corporation is authorized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to operate swertres, or Small Town Lottery, in Cebu Province.