TWO persons, including a senior citizen, were nabbed after they were caught in the act engaging in an illegal numbers gambling activity at Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City on Friday afternoon, August 2, 2019.

Operatives of the Cebu Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) arrested a certain Segundino Sarmento, 60, and Joey Ababon, 48.

Police Lt. Col. Marlu Conag, PIB chief, said the two men were arrested at around 2:30 p.m. last Friday.

A concerned citizen allegedly provided a tip to the police of the two men's operations.

Conag said they caught Ababon issuing a ticket stub to an unidentified male bettor who was able to evade arrest.

Sarmento, who was Ababon’s alleged coordinator, was also caught by police carrying tally sheets containing the bets of their customers.

Recovered from Ababon were illegal gambling paraphernalia including ballpen and bet cash money amounting to P316.

Sarmento also yielded a notebook containing tally sheets, four pieces white pad paper bearing names of various Small Town Lottery (STL) remittances, and bet money of P1,020.

They will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9287 or the Act Increasing Penalties Against Illegal Numbers Games.

Some gambling games like STL and Peryahan ng Bayan which were organized by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) were considered illegal after President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered its immediate stoppage due to alleged "massive" corruption in the agency.

The PCSO is a government-owned and -controlled corporation under the Office of the President.

It is mandated to raise and provide funds for health programs, including medical assistance and services. (WBS)