Mabolo police score vs. illegal gambling

CEBU, Philippines - The Mabolo police and the Unified Barangay 7 conducted a surprise operation against two alleged operators of illegal numbers game in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

The Unified Barangay 7 is composed of barangays Apas, Kasambagan, Banilad, Luz, Carreta, Mabolo and Hipodromo.

The surprise operation came after their meeting yesterday noon with Mabolo Police Chief Enrique Belciña.

During the meeting, Belciña asked the members of Unified Barangay 7 for cooperation to eliminate illegal gambling in thier respective barangays.

Mabolo Barangay Captain Rey Ompoc identified rented houses in L. Tudtud, Cabantan and Holy Name that are allegedly engaged in illegal gambling operation.

After the meeting, Belciña immediately formed a team to verify the information. The group first went to Cabantan Gil Tudtud Street and confirmed the claim through a test buy by one of its members.

Bettors immediately fled the area, leaving the encoder identified as Jay-r Gascon, 20, a resident of Ermita.

Another operation was conducted in sitio Holy Name and resulted in the arrest of James Negardo, 21, of Pardo.

Negardo and Gascon refused to name their employers.

“Igo ra mi gi sweldohan og tag-150 pesos per day . Igo ra hatod wa gyud mi kaila nila,” Negardo said. (We only get our pay P150 per day which is delivered to us but we don’t know them.)

Police confiscated two computer sets, printers, monitors, cash and other items used in the illegal gambling.

Belciña warns operators of these illegal suertres within Mabolo that the Mabolo police is serious in its campaign to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling before October 25.

October 25 is the scheduled protest march against illegal gambling. — (FREEMAN)