Six men were arrested in Quezon City for alleged illegal cara y cruz betting and firearms possession during separate police operations prompted by a report coursed through the Unified 911 system.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the operations were conducted on June 10, 2026 in Barangay Tatalon.
In the first operation, police arrested three men aged 18, 23, and 35 who were allegedly caught playing cara y cruz, locally known as “flippers.”
Authorities recovered bet money, coins used in the illegal activity, and an improvised pen gun loaded with .38-caliber live ammunition from one of the suspects.
In a separate response in the same barangay, police arrested three more men aged 21, 23, and 33 who were also allegedly engaged in cara y cruz gambling.
Police said they again recovered gambling proceeds and seized another improvised pen gun loaded with .38-caliber live ammunition from one of the suspects.
All six suspects will face complaints for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, or the Anti-Illegal Gambling Law.
Two of them will also face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Police records also showed that several of those arrested had prior involvement in illegal gambling and drug-related offenses.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests showed the importance of quick police response and community reporting in stopping illegal activities.
“This arrest highlights the importance of immediate police action and community reporting in preventing unlawful activities from taking root in our neighborhoods. We will continue to act decisively against those who disregard the law and threaten public order,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin hahayaan na maging bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ang mga gawaing labag sa batas. Ang bawat aksyon ng pulisya laban sa mga ito ay hakbang tungo sa mas ligtas at maayos na komunidad,” he added.
Nartatez also urged the public to continue using the Unified 911 system to report illegal activities and other public safety concerns.
“The Unified 911 system continues to prove its value as an effective platform for public reporting and police response. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report unlawful activities so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.
The PNP said the operations form part of its continuing campaign against illegal gambling, unlawful possession of firearms, and other activities that threaten peace and order in communities.