AUTHORITIES have arrested four persons for engaging in spider derby in Barangay Poblacion, Valencia City over the weekend.

Police arrested Lawrence Tumlos, Godofredo Cepeda, Mario Das-ao, and Beleanio Netesa Jr., all of legal age and residents of Valencia City.

Lieutenant Colonel Surki Sereñas, Valencia City police chief, said the four persons will face criminal charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602, which provides penalties for illegal gambling activities. It was signed into law by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.

Sereñas said a spider fighting enthusiast who came from Davao City allegedly organized the "spider derby," but he was able to elude arrest.

Confiscated were a sling bag, six spider boxes, 32 live spiders, an improvised spider fighting arena (stick with stand and platform) and bet money amounting to P300.

"If there is what we call 'gateway drugs,' there is also 'gateway gambling vice.' These people encourage gambling among kids particularly those who are fond of spiders," police said.