LEGAZPI CITY --- Bicol police operatives stepped up its anti-illegal gambling drive and arrested 409 persons involved illegal numbers game of gambling.

        Some P53,613, in bet money were confiscated by police operatives in two Bicol provinces.

        Bicol PNP acting Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Cecilio B. Calleja, Jr., said illegal gambling popularly known as “jueteng” is rampant in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Sorsogon, while jueteng operation disguised as an Easy Two game of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) are operating in selected towns in Albay, and Camarines Norte.

        In the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, the ending game from PBA games flourishes in this areas.

        Reports said jueteng operators are raking in millions of pesos in three daily draws from gambling aficionados in the two provinces of Bicol.

        Calleja said the intensified drive is the Philippine National Police's (PNP) resolve and commitment to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling activities in the region.

        The operation has resulted to the filing of criminal charges now pending and being tried in various courts in the region, against persons involved including their financiers.

        With this successful no non-sense drive against illegal gambling, PNP Bicol is sending the message that law enforcers will never get tired of enforcing the law and without fear and favor.

        “Police commanders who cannot perform the task of stopping gambling activities in their turf will be replaced by those capable and willing to accomplish the task,” Calleja stressed.