RSOG nabs two women “swertres” collectors in Samar

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
September 19, 2013

CAMP SEC. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – Two women allegedly engaged in the collection of “swertes” bet were nabbed by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) in anti-illegal gambling operations in Catbalogan City on Tuesday.

Arrested were of Nena Asano, 51, married of Purok 2, Brgy. Guindapunan; and Mylene Ebias, 24, single, of Purok 6, Brgy. 3 Poblacion, both in Catbalogan City, Samar’s capital.

PCSupt. Elmer R. Soria said the RSOG under PInsp. Constantino Jabonete, Jr., arrested Asano at past 5:00 p.m. Tuesday at the vicinity of Brgy. Guindapunan while collecting bet for “swertres”, an illegal numbers game.

The lawmen confiscated from the suspect one tally sheet containing different number combinations for the 9:00 p.m. September 17, 2013 draw; cash bet amounting to P131.00; Nokia mobile phone and one black HBW ballpen.

At past 7:00 p.m., same police team proceeded to Brgy. 3 and conducted anti-gambling operations resulting in the arrest of Ebias while collecting “swetres’ bet and the confiscation of three bundle of stubs containing different number combinations dated September 17, 2013, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. draw; cash bet amounting to P295.00; one Cherry Mobile phone and a black ballpen.

The police official further informed that arrested suspects were detained at the Catbalogan City Police Station while cases for violation Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 (Illegal Numbers Game) were filed in court against them.

Soria believes that the possession of illegal gambling paraphernalia is enough prima facie evidence against the suspects.

“If the court finds them guilty, they may spend from 8 up to 10 years in prison,” the police official informed.

A collector or agent is any person who collects, solicits or produces bets in behalf of his/her principal for any illegal numbers game who is usually in possession of gambling paraphernalia.

As this developed, Soria instructed police chiefs to intensify the conduct of anti-illegal gambling operations in their respective areas.

“All unit commanders were reminded that our one-strike policy is still in effect and they may be relieved and face administrative sanctions if they fail to perform,” he added.