26 nabbed for gambling

CEBU, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 arrested 26 individuals who acted as maintainers and bet collectors of alleged 22 betting stations illegally operated in Mandaue City.

Executive Officer Arnel Pura said in the first week of January 2018, their national office endorsed to them the complaint of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and Saturn Gaming N' Entertainment Corp. and First Golden Fortune Leisure Inc.

In their complaint, they alleged Globaltech illegally operated betting stations in barangays Canduman, Estancia-Ibabao, Casili, and Paknaan, all in Mandaue City.

Pura said in 2014, the Globaltech and the PCSO have entered into a Deed of Agreement giving the former an authority to operate Lucky 3/Swertres games through its Peryahan Games.

However, PCSO terminated the agreement on March 31, 2016.

Though the agreement was terminated, Pura said Globaltech's betting stations in Cebu continued to operate despite warnings.

Globaltech has filed a petition for injunction before the Regional Trial Court in Pasig City, but no injunctive relief was issued by the court, Pura added.

The NBI-7 applied for a search warrant before Regional Trial Court Judge Marc Joseph Quirante of Branch 88 in Mandaue City after conducting surveillance.

Pura said by virtue of the search warrant, they were able to arrest 26 individuals on January 31 and confiscated computers, and other pieces of evidence used in the betting game.

Arrested were Richard Leon, Rendel Rosales, Roselyn Dohinog, Teddy Endriga, Ent Obeso, Warlie Ybarola, Peter John Guzman, Shaira Jacob, Marina Talisic, Celine Alvarez, Jomari Nemis, Jerold Blaza, Creslyn Galope, Sharlene Joy Ortiz, Sanny Garnica, Jessie Geradiaz, RosnintiveDayascal, Jamarah Rasuman, Dulce Capangpangan, Evangeline Allego, Seline Paburan, Genny Rose Guerco, Marjorie Olivvar, Babie Claire Baclaan, Jeosarie Villamor, and Lougel Halasan.

Pura said complaints for violations of Presidential Decree 1602 in relation to Republic Act 9287 and Republic Act 10175 will be filed against the suspects before the Prosecutor's Office in Mandaue City.

The arrested persons chose not to issue statements when interviewed. (FREEMAN)