Alleged illegal gambling lord arrested by Task Force

Another suspected gambling lord was arrested yesterday by Task Force Katapat-II of the Department of the Interior and Local Government along with 36 of his personnel.

Oscar Simbulan, also known as Boy Abang, of Tondo, Manila gave himself up at the office of TFK-II commander Chief Superintendent Romeo Maganto yesterday.

Simbulan was one of the five suspected gambling lords identified by Maganto last week as part of the TFK-II’s operations against illegal gambling. Two of the five surrendered themselves last Friday, making Simbulan the third suspect to come forward.

Even as Simbulan tried to deny the accusations of the TFK-II, Maganto had him arrested and charged with four counts of violation of Republic Act No. 1602 or the anti-illegal gambling law.

Simbulan was identified as the financier and maintainer of illegal horse race bookies, jai alai bookies and Philippine Basketball Association "ending" operations in the Tondo, Manila area.

At the same time, elements of the TFK-II Special Projects Team led by Senior Inspector Bily Capati, TFK-II-Task Group Luzon of Superintendent Emiliano Caparas, TFK-II-Task Group Visayas led by Superintendent Pedro Talosig and TFK-II Quezon City of SPO4 Ramon Siscar, arrested 36 of Simbulan’s personnel in simultaneous operations in the Manila area.

They were involved in the illegal gambling operations of Simbulan either as bookies, collectors or operators. Among the arrested were Simbulan’s brother-in-law, Romeo "Onyo" Santillan.

A number of other big time operators and maintainers were also identified as a result of the TFK-II’s operation. – Marvin Sy