15 arrested in anti-gambling drive

MANILA, Philippines - At least 15 people were arrested Wednesday in a continuing anti-illegal gambling drive waged by the National Capital Region Police Office in Metro Manila.

Those arrested were caught in the act of betting on racehorse bookies when NCRPO agents conducted separate raids along Concepcion Aguila street in Quiapo, and P. Gomez and Tiago Blumentritt Streets in Sta. Cruz, all in Manila.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome vowed that the campaign against illegal gambling is a continuing process “until the metropolis is purged of these illegal activities.”

Those arrested were Josh Mendoza, 21; Rosie Lumbang, 42; Maribeth Flores, 49; Randy Barbosa, 29; Leonardo Curabo, 58: Reynato Curabo, 51; Dominador Hari, 58; Andy Manahan, 48; Jun Cruz, 34; Niña Cunanan, 30; Gerry Palad, 47; Leonardo Esber, 21; Jhon Lopez, 35; Eduardo Ecal, 52, and Rey Ortenez, 22.

Recovered from the suspects were four telephone units, three calculators, undetermined amount of cash bets in various denominations and several pieces of “Dividendazo.”

The suspects were charged with illegal gambling before the Manila City prosecutor’s office yesterday. They are now under the custody of the Custody Security Office of the NCRPO’s Regional Headquarters Support Group.