Two swertres ushers were arrested in separate barangays in Medellin on Monday, April 20, 2026, according to SunStar Local News.
First Arrest in Barangay Antipolo
The first arrest occurred at 5:30 PM when alias Maryrose, 46, married, a resident of Barangay Antipolo, was apprehended. Maryrose issued the number '143' for P50 to a customer who turned out to be a police officer. Police Major Manuel Cabanlit, chief of the Medellin Police Station, led the operation against illegal gambling in their area of responsibility.
Maryrose failed to present a permit from the government or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), leading to her arrest. Confiscated from her possession were gambling paraphernalia, a P50 bet, a stub, and P150 in proceeds.
Second Arrest in Barangay Curva
At 7:30 PM, another female usher was arrested in Barangay Curva. The suspect was identified as alias Lily, 32, single, a resident of the said barangay. Lily was handcuffed after she issued the swertres number '804' to a police officer who pretended to place a bet.
Recovered from the suspect were gambling paraphernalia, including P100 believed to be proceeds from illegal gambling.
Both detainees have been charged with violation of Republic Act 9287 (Illegal Swertres).
