Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez, Butuan City -- At least 3 individuals were caught involved in watching and betting money on an 'online sabong' in violation of MECQ protocols were arrested in Tandag City yesterday, July 1.

POLICE BRIGADIER GENERAL ROMEO M. CARAMAT JR. identified the arrested individuals as Joebert Estal Mendiola, male, 47 years old, married, jobless; Jomel Bollanday Cortes, male, 20 years old, single, fish laborer, both residents of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur; and Mark Gil Blasco Serrano, male, 27 years old, with live-in partner, jobless and a resident of Purok San Francisco, Brgy. Gamut, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

Joint elements of Provincial Special Operation Group (PSOG) and Tandag City Police Station operation stemmed from a confidential agent reporting that there was an illegal gambling activity happening in an unfinished shed in Purok Moonglow, Brgy. Bag-ong Lungsod, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur around 5:30 PM.

In the course of the operation, one cellular phone; one Globe Prepaid Wi-Fi Modem; and one Sony Flat screen TV with remote control; a plastic container; wooden box and bet money amounting to ₱ 6,600 were confiscated.

"We strongly warns the public not to engage in any unauthorized gambling activities offered by deceitful individuals and groups. We will continue to step-up on our illegal gambling drives and we vow to stop all forms of illegal gambling in the region," RD CARAMAT JR concluded.

The suspects were charged for violating Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) under Executive Order 41 series of 2021 section 2.4.6 in Tandag City, where lottery or betting shops, or other gaming establishments are not permitted to operate. (PMaj. Dorothy M. Tumulak)

(Source: Caraga Pulis Pio Facebook account)