SANTIAGO CITY – In line with increased government scrutiny of illegal gambling operations around the country, police have arrested 7 people for playing card game "tong-its" in Rizal, Santiago City, Isabela.

Arrested were Flordeliza Santiago, 60 years old; Jovita Sapon, 50 years old; Sonny Diamsay, 48 years old; Benjie Casil, 47 years old; Policein Domingo, 53 years old; Estelita Pelayo, 50 years old; and Marilyn Grospe, 45 years old.

The suspects are residents of Purok 6, Rizal, Santiago City. They will be charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1602, which places stiff penalties on illegal gambling.

The director of the Santiago City Police Office, Senior Supt. Percival Rumbaoa, appealed to the public to stop illicit gambling, as they will continue to intensify operations against it.

Rumbaoa said the police would make arrests regardless of how much money is involved in the games.

Common forms of gambling include pusoy, a local form of poker; tong-its; bingo; and jueteng.