A 72-year-old grandmother was among 11 alleged 'ushers' of the illegal numbers game swertres arrested in separate police operations across Cebu province on the evening of Friday, June 26, 2026. All those arrested failed to present a valid permit from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Danao City Operation
The first raid was conducted by joint forces of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU-CPPO) and Danao City Police Station at Sitio Colo, Barangay Masaba, Danao City, at around 8:00 p.m. Three individuals were arrested: alias Jose, 42, married; alias Mia, 37, married; and alias Ponciana, 72. Aside from gambling paraphernalia, police seized from alias Jose P240 in proceeds and P20 in bets; from alias Mia P250 in proceeds and P50 in bets; and from alias Ponciana P350 in proceeds and P50 in bets.
According to Lola Ponciana, she was forced to work as an usher even though she knew it was illegal because she had no other livelihood. The three are currently in the custody of the Danao City Police Station.
Talisay City Operations
In Talisay City, three others were arrested by operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division (RID-7) and Talisay City Police Station in separate barangays. They were identified as alias Cynthia, 26, married, arrested in Barangay Dumlog with gambling paraphernalia and P200 in proceeds; alias Edgar, 31, married, arrested in Barangay Tabunok after being caught issuing swertres to a police officer posing as a customer, with paraphernalia and P220 in proceeds; and alias Jemjem, 26, married, a resident of Barangay Biasong, arrested in Palm View Village, Barangay Tabunok.
Liloan Operations
Police in Liloan also arrested five suspects in separate barangays. They were identified as alias Maning, a senior citizen caught carrying numerous bets and gambling equipment; alias Victoria, married, with paraphernalia and P150 in proceeds; alias Elsa, married; alias Grace, married; and alias Mario, 55, married. The suspects were confiscated in Barangay Catarman, except for alias Mario who was arrested in Barangay Jubay.
