MPD’s Sekreta unit rounds up 90 in anti-gambling drive

The Manila Police District’s Sekreta (Detective) unit have arrested at least 90 people and seized several video karera machines and other gambling paraphernalia during anti-illegal gambling operations in less than a week.

The intensified campaign against illegal gambling was an offshoot of the directive of MPD officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa to paralyze gambling operators in the city, according to Detective Beat Patrol Unit chief Senior Inspector Rene de Jesus.

It will be recalled that Manila Mayor Lito Atienza challenged the MPD leadership of its resolve to close down all illegal gambling operations despite its "no take" policy.

De Jesus told The STAR that despite the guerrilla operations of gambling lords, his unit was able to track down their bases of operations and make several arrests.

Most of those arrested for racehorse bookie operations were based in Tondo, Sta. Cruz and Sta. Ana districts, De Jesus added.

"Di namin sila titigilan hangga’t di sila umaalis ng Maynila," he said, while at the same time ordering his men to spare no one in their drive against illegal gambling.

According to De Jesus, the seized video karera machines are scheduled for destruction by Atienza next week at the City Hall compound.

At the same time, the detective patrol beat chief lamented the intervention of some barangay officials who ask for the release of those arrested.

The detective patrol beat unit is also monitoring the activities of some unscrupulous policemen reportedly maintaining video karera machines.

Meanwhile, De Jesus presented before the media yesterday Marcos Nicandro, 28, who is wanted for frustrated homicide.

Nicandro was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 124 Judge Victoria Isabel Reyes.