Over 2,500 arrested in Metro Manila for illegal gambling in less than two months
Some 1,119 operations were conducted between June 2 and July 23.
The Philippines.- Police in Metro Manila have reported 2,573 arrests and seizing PHP 568,992 (US$9,700) in connection to illegal gambling in less than two months, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
Some 1,119 enforcement operations were carried out between June 2 and July 23 across all five NCRPO districts (Manila, Quezon City, Northern, Eastern, and Southern) as part of ongoing efforts to curb unlicensed betting activities. Of the arrests, 270 were reportedly linked to illegal numbers games, with authorities seizing PHP 97,160 (US$1,712) in associated bets.
The operations are being carried out under Presidential Decree 1602, which imposes stricter penalties for unauthorised gambling, including cockfighting, jueteng, jai alai, horse racing bookies, bingo and numbers-based lotteries.
In a statement, the NCRPO urged the public to report illicit gambling operations via the 911 emergency hotline and emphasised that enforcement actions will continue as part of a broader strategy to suppress criminal activity in the region.
