Suspects in robbing Indian national charged: Alleged masiao coordinator faces illegal gambling raps

CEBU, Philippines – A suspected masiao coordinator in Samboan town was charged for illegal gambling after he was caught in possession of illegal gambling paraphernalia during a police raid last June 13.

The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office indicted Jeffrey Señires of Sitio Calin-ay, Poblacion, Samboan for alleged violation of the Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by the Republic Act 9287 otherwise known as illegal gambling.

Señires was arrested by the members of the Provincial Intelligence Division during a raid in his house on June 13, 2009. The members of the PIB led by Police Chief Inspector Ma. Elma delos Santos was armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Patalinghug.

During the raid, the police operatives seized two empty masiao stubs, one box of assorted tally sheets with different numbers combination, P3,446.05 believed to be bet money and several other paraphernalia.

Police said Señires is a known masiao coordinator in Samboan.

The prosecutor’s office has recommended P100,000 bail for Señires’ temporary liberty. — Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)