CEBU CITY – Police arrested nine persons in a series of anti-illegal gambling operations in Balamban, Cebu on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

The Balamban police led by Lt. Col. Glenn Hife arrested five persons for allegedly playing the illegal numbers game “swertres.”

Arrested were Maricris Son Catayas, 32; Flora Jane Plumo Tabasa, 29; Jay-fer Am-is Mapa, 40; Mario Sabalande Herbito, 48; and Daniel Ligan Vendeflor, 42.

The Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) arrested four persons for being coordinators and ushers of swertres.

Lt. Vicente Chavez, team leader of PIU-CPPO, identified them as Cristina Udto Mahinay, 42; Sydney Mercader Cortes, 38; Marisa Mahinay Cao, 34; and Yvette Flor Son, 49.

Cash amounting to P3,000 and illegal gambling paraphernalia were seized from the suspects.

Police said they will be charged for violating Republic Act 9287 that penalizes individuals caught engaged in illegal gambling.