Masiao coordinator falls in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines -  An illegal numbers game coordinator was arrested by the police during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sambag II Sunday evening.

 Dan— Peras, 32, resident of sitio Lomibao in the said barangay, was caught in the act of accepting bets for masiao, an illegal numbers game, from an undercover policeman.

 Operatives of the City Intelligence Branch led by Chief Inspector Romeo Santander swooped down on Peras at 8:30 p.m. Sunday after having confirmed his illegal activities during the surveillance operations.

 Santander said they have conducted two days surveillance on Peras and was able to confirm reports that he is acting as coordinator of the illegal numbers game in Sambag II. An undercover policeman placed a P50 bet which served as marked-money.

 After Peras has accepted the wager, CIB operatives rushed inside his house and placed him under arrest for violation of the Republic Act 1602 or illegal gambling. The police recovered several tip sheets and other gambling paraphernalia including the P20,000 proceeds.

 Peras admitted his illegal operation but claimed it was his only way to support his wife and three children. Peras said he earns 45-percent of the total proceeds daily. According to Peras, his daily proceeds would reached up to P20,000.

 “I don’t have any other way to support my family. I know that its illegal but I don’t have a choice,” he said in Cebuano. 

Peras will be charged for violation of the illegal gambling law.  (FREEMAN)