4 Abra village chiefs nabbed for illegal gambling

BAGUIO , Philippines —  Four barangay captains and a kagawad were among more than 40 persons arrested for illegal gambling in Barangay Ubbog-Lipcan in Bangued, Abra on Tuesday.

Police identified the village chiefs as Amado Acosta, his brother Carmelo and Alberto Bigornia of Barangays Zone 2, Zone 1 and Zone 7, respectively, of Bangued, and Rodel Gavanes of Cabcaburao, San Juan. 

The Acosta siblings are brothers of Bangued Vice Mayor Mila Valera.

A total of P14,650 in bet money and gambling paraphernalia were reportedly recovered from the suspects.

Chief Inspector Grace Marron, Abra police spokesperson, said the suspects were caught playing dado in a cockpit owned by Bangued Mayor Dominic Valera. The alleged operator of the gambling den was identified as municipal accountant Henry Bodaño.