Four masiao runners, two loggers nabbed

CEBU, Philippines - Four people were arrested for illegal gambling by Cebu City police in separate police operations Saturday morning.

Ignacio Apostadero, 57, of Cogon, Dumanjug; Isdelito Baring, 39, of Bonifacio Street, Cebu City; Mario Apolinar, 29, of Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City; and Biano Florentino, 54, of MH del Pilar Street, Cebu City.

Apostadero was arrested by Parian police at 5:20 a.m. on Saturday after he was caught having in his possession 215 masiao tip sheets at Junquera Street in Barangay Kamagayan.

Three minutes later, Baring was caught by Parian police having in his possession a total of 2,875 tip sheets.

At the same time, Apolinar was also caught bringing with him 550 masiao tip sheets.

Ten minutes later police captured Florentino who was bringing along with him 650 masiao tip sheets.

All four persons were immediately brought to Parian Police Station and will be facing a charge for illegal gambling.

They were arrested after Parian police has intensified its campaign against illegal gambling.

Meanwhile, Barili town police have confiscated two chainsaw machines from two alleged illegal loggers for failing to present a permit for cutting trees.

Barili police responded to a reported illegal logging activity in Barangay Bolocboloc.

After reaching the place, police saw Ely Cariaga, 41, resident of Barangay Balaygtiki, and Obet Cariaga, 46, of Barangay Pakulob, all in Dumanjug town cutting a Gemilina tree.

Both failed to present the necessary permit when asked by the police which prompted the latter to confiscate the chain saw machines that they use to cut the Gemilina tree.

The chainsaw machines are owned by Hector Celis of Barangay Azucena, Barili and Jovane Swerte of Barangay Tangil, Dumanjug.

Furthermore the chainsaw machines found to have no certificate of registration. (FREEMAN)