MPD’s illegal gambling drive nets 80 people

At least 80 people were arrested and seven video karera machines were seized in a Manila Police District (MPD)’s sweep against illegal gambling.

Most of the suspects came from Tondo, according to Chief Inspector Rene de Jesus, chief of the MPD’s district detective beat patrol unit.

Acting MPD chief Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarzosa said the intensified crackdown should be taken as a serious warning to illegal gambling operators that "they are not welcome in Manila, as per instruction of Mayor Lito Atienza as part of his Buhayin ang Maynila program."

Most of those arrested were former personnel of alleged big-time gambling boss Apeng Sy, who has since stopped operation since the MPD cracked down hard on illegal gambling, according to De Jesus.

"Most of the gambling operators have stopped their operations. However, their personnel continued on with the illegal trade since they have no other means of livelihood," he said.

Because of the police campaign, De Jesus said, illegal gambling gangs have resorted to "kangaroo" operations, moving from one base of operation to another to avoid detection.