8 nabbed for illegal numbers game

MANILA, Philippines — Six bettors and two tellers were arrested yesterday at a mall along Recto Avenue in Manila during an operation against illegal gambling.

Mayor Isko Moreno and Manila Police District Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Maj. Rosalino Ibay Jr. led the implementation of a search warrant against the owners of AW Amusement for allegedly running an illegal numbers game in the guise of an arcade.

According to the warrant granted by the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 45, the incorporators of AW Amusement allowed the arcade to be used for illegal gambling.

They were Li Rong Chen, Joseph Sy, Chan Li Wan, Shi Zhen Long, Ceferino Paredes, Ericson and Raymond Ang and Vivienne dela Llana.

Moreno showed to reporters the gold tokens and currency coins used in operating the slot machines.

He vowed to crack down on illegal gambling.

Bureau of Permits director Levy Facundo said of the 78 machines seized during the operation, only 15 were declared by the arcade.

Police said the owners of the arcade as well as the arrested bettors and tellers would be charged for violating Presidential Decree 1602, which penalizes illegal gambling.