8 held over e-sabong website

MANILA, Philippines — Eight people accused of maintaining an illegal gambling den, including operating a website showing e-sabong games, were arrested in Parañaque City on Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) reported yesterday.

Glison Nogales, 57; Jerico Alimboboyog, 28; Crisanto Cortez, 40; Emmanuel Reyes, 34; Albert San Pedro, 41; Geminio Ramos, 62; Joseph Asupardo, 30, and Rolando Ramos, 53, were arrested in Barangay Sto. Niño at around 9:44 p.m.

Police officers under the supervision of CIDG director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz raided a house along an access road in response to reports that people were running online cockfighting matches even if the games were banned by the government.

CIDG National Capital Region field unit chief Col. Randy Glenn Silvio alleged that Nogales, Alimboboyog and Cortez were caught running e-sabong games.

Silvio described Nogales as a member of a criminal gang engaged in illegal gambling activities in southern Metro Manila.

The five other suspects were taken into custody for placing bets on billiard games.

Police seized a LED television, a cell phone, six cue sticks, two sets of billiard balls and P2,460 in cash.

The CIDG is preparing charges of illegal gambling against the suspects.