A suspected illegal gambling collector was arrested after he was allegedly caught accepting bets and later found carrying an unlicensed firearm during an anti-criminality operation in Cubao, Quezon City, police said.
In a report, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Randy Glenn Silvio identified the suspect only as alias “Jasper,” 18 years old, and a resident of Barangay E. Rodriguez, Cubao.
Silvio said operatives of the Cubao Police Station, under Lt. Col. Joy Leanza, were conducting an anti-criminality patrol along Irid Street in Barangay San Martin de Porres at around 8:27 pm on May 12 when they spotted the suspect allegedly engaged in “basketball ending,” an illegal numbers game.
According to the QCPD, the suspect was carrying gambling paraphernalia and accepting bets from passersby when one police officer acted as a poseur-bettor and placed a bet.
After the transaction, police officers identified themselves and asked the suspect to present any permit or legal document authorizing his alleged activity. The suspect failed to show proof of authority, prompting his arrest.
During a body search, police said they recovered from the suspect’s black belt bag a revolver loaded with one live caliber-.38 ammunition.
Authorities also seized P600 in bet money, an improvised ending card, and a black ballpen.
Further verification showed that the suspect had previous records for robbery in September 2024, violation of Republic Act 9287 (Anti-Illegal Gambling Law) in April 2025, and violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) in January 2025, according to police.
The suspect will face complaints for violation of RA 9287, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
“This operation reflects the QCPD’s unwavering commitment to intensify anti-criminality efforts and address all forms of illegal activities, including illegal gambling and the possession of loose firearms,” Silvio said.
“We will continue to strengthen our police operations to ensure peace, order, and public safety in Quezon City,” he added.