Loon, Bohol – Four individuals were arrested for playing mahjong, a game prohibited under Presidential Decree No. 1602, by the operatives of Loon Municipal Police Station over the weekend.
The suspects were caught in the act at around 3:40 PM on March 10, 2023 in Barangay Cuasi, Loon, Bohol by the police team led by Police Captain Amelito Melendres Melloria. One set of mahjong tiles, gambling paraphernalia and cash money in different denominations were confiscated during the operation.
Presidential Decree No. 1602 prescribes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling activities or violations of Philippine gambling laws. It was signed into law by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.
Under this law, a person caught playing mahjong faces a fine from P500 to P2,000 while a re-offender can face a fine of P1,000 to P6,000 pesos.
The suspects are currently detained at Loon Municipal Police Station Custodial Facility while preparing for the filing of the appropriate charges.
Loon Municipal Police Station will continue to intensify the campaign against any forms of illegal gambling activities along with the aim to attain and maintain a safe, peaceful and progressive Loon which is also in line with M+K+K=K Peace and Security Framework of the Chief PNP.
“Ug sa kanunay nga pagpahimangno, hunonga na ang mga ilegal na aktibidad kay wala kini lugar sa atong pinangga nga Lungsod nga Loon nga malinawon ug madanihon!!! Magtinabangay tang tanan…,” Capt. Melloria said.