Law enforcement agencies in Western Visayas have concluded a month-long offensive against unlawful betting, resulting in 221 arrests and the seizure of over PHP 142,000 in betting funds.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) confirmed that 93 separate operations were conducted between March 1 and March 31, 2026.
Iloilo City Leads the Crackdown
The Iloilo City Police Office proved to be the most active unit, spearheading 38 operations, followed closely by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office with 23. The coordinated campaign spanned across the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Guimaras, demonstrating a region-wide commitment to dismantling illegal gambling syndicates.
PRO-6 officials from Western Visayas stressed that illegal gambling is often a “gateway” to more serious criminal activities.
“Any individual who participates in illegal gambling as a game operator, financier, or player may be penalized by law,” authorities warned, noting that the crackdown remains a permanent priority for regional security.
