In the midst of severe flooding in Metro Manila triggered by the Southwest Monsoon and multiple tropical cyclones, a distressing incident unfolded in Barangay Longos, Malabon, where a man was detained for illegal gambling, and his young son died from a waterborne disease.

From July 22, 2025, Dion Angelo Dela Rosa spent three days navigating flooded streets searching for his father, Jayson Dela Rosa, who did not return home. Jennelyn dela Rosa, Dion's mother, recalled that Jayson had left to accompany one of their children to work but never informed the family of his whereabouts, nor did he bring his cellphone.

"We were worried because it’s not his habit to leave without telling us," Jennelyn explained. She and their children searched separately—Dion in Caloocan and Jennelyn in Malabon.

On July 25, Dion located Jayson at a local police substation. Officers had arrested Jayson for allegedly playing "kara y krus" (coin toss), a form of illegal gambling under an outdated Philippine law.

"Around noon, we were informed by a police officer that Jayson was detained," Jennelyn stated. She added that the family was not initially notified about his arrest or detention.

Tragically, two days later on July 27, Dion fell ill with fever and body aches. After resting, he was found deceased due to cardiac arrest caused by leptospirosis, a disease contracted from prolonged contact with contaminated floodwaters. Doctors also noted a foot infection attributed to the constant exposure.

Jayson was released from police custody on August 2. Jennelyn suspects that her husband may have been a victim of "pangsakto"—police arbitrary arrests made to fulfill quotas.

"He did not commit any offense. He was simply accused of gambling, detained without informing the family, and held for three days," Jennelyn said. "They said they would contact us, but they never obtained our number."

Caloocan police clarified that Jayson was arrested in the early hours of July 25, not two days earlier as the family believed. Police Captain Romel Caburog denied claims of deliberate concealment or quota-driven arrests, emphasizing that such practices are untrue.

"Once our investigator confirmed Jayson’s arrest, we immediately instructed the arresting officers to contact his relatives," Caburog explained. "We do not engage in random or unjustified detentions."

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David publicly condemned the events, highlighting the outdated nature of the law under which Jayson was arrested. He noted that the 1978 law against illegal gambling ostensibly protects the poor from vice but has historically targeted marginalized individuals rather than major offenders.

"It is a painful irony that Jayson was arrested for playing kara y krus—a trivial game—while even children can gamble via mobile phones before learning basic math," Cardinal David remarked. He also reflected on previous statements condemning online gambling and corruption linked to flood relief efforts.

This incident underscores ongoing challenges in law enforcement practices and public health risks during natural disasters in the Philippines.