THE Misamis Oriental police have intensified anti-illegal gambling efforts which resulted in the arrest of nine people in separate operations in three towns over the weekend.

All nine will be charged with illegal gambling.

Authorities arrested Jubert Llagas, 34, and Julius Macas, 36, both residents of Balingasag town; and Albert Sumunod, 31, resident of Medina.

The three were arrested for illegal playing of cards, locally known as "tong-its", in Barangay Tambagan, Medina.

In Lagonglong town, three other men were nabbed for playing "tong-its".

They were identified as Albers Lingcodo, 67; Danilo Jamon, 45; and Samuel Bacabas, 67. All are residents of Barangay Lumbo.

Police recovered bet money, playing cards and other pieces of evidence related to the case in the two separate operations.

Three more men were apprehended in Barangay Katipunan, Villanueva for "spider fighting".

Arrested were Teofie Bao, 30, of Medina; Diomedes Acenas Jr., 41, and Jheyfre Lord Jumamil, 33, of Barangays Puerto and Bugo in Cagayan de Oro City, respectively.

Authorities recovered 36 spiders, bet money, and other evidence.

Police provincial director Senior Superintendent Rolando Destura commended the operating teams for the successful anti-illegal gambling operations.

Destura has directed his men to continue efforts to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling in the province.