'Gambler' robs online casino

MANILA, Philippines - A jobless man was arrested yesterday minutes after he reportedly robbed an online casino in Pasig City of P125,000 yesterday.

Rafael Lourdes Reyes, 43, of Barangay Nayon Silangan in Antipolo City, allegedly pretended to be a gambler and entered the casino, owned by Precy Nob, located at the corner of Meralco Avenue and Julia Vargas street at around 3 a.m. yesterday.

He drew a handgun, announced the heist, and scooped money from the cashier’s booth. As he escaped, shouts for help from the casino attracted the attention of security guards, who gave chase.

Senior Superintendent Jesse Cardona, Pasig City police chief, said police officers on patrol joined the chase and Reyes surrendered when he was cornered.

Cardona said Reyes yielded a small tear gas canister, a .45 caliber automatic pistol and the money, which was returned to the casino intact.

“We are now determining whether he is behind the rash of robberies not only in Pasig City but also nearby cities and municipalities,” he said.

Reyes is being held at the Pasig City police detention center while investigators are preparing to charge him with robbery and illegal possession of firearms.