POLICE ROUNDUP

 11 arrested in Abra for illegal gambling in carnival 

BANGUED, Abra – Police arrested 11 men for playing illegal “drop balls” here Tuesday.

Nabbed at  the Fiesta Carnival here in Zone 2 were: Reyquel Esta Samusam, 27; James Baptista Duyao, 26; JR Matinez Marquez, 28; Glenford Ebangelista Vicencio, 24; Darrel Doroni Banguilan, 22 and Arnel Bersamina Rebaula, 26, all operators of “drop ball.”

Arrested bettors were Mark Ver Batalao Valeros, 29; Joel Bayang Collantes, 32; Twinks Doroni Banguila, 18; Dennis Gabu Barreyro, 26 and Erwin Gabay Guzman, 23.

Confiscated from their possession were six pieces of “embodo,” six  “labayan”; 24  “tapete”; 13 pingpong balls and cash bets of P88,941.

Trader gunned down in Bantay

BANTAY, Ilocos Sur --A livestock trader was shot dead by a lone assailant here Feb. 17. Efren Taguipuro was waiting for his wife in front of a restaurant in Barangay Sinabaan when he was shot. He died while being rushed to a hospital.

Case investigator Police Officer 3 Aniceto Gelacio is eyeing business rivalry as  motive for the killing. – Raymund Catindig

3 men nabbed in Baguio for illegal gambling

BAGUIO CITY – Three men were arrested here Tuesday at the parking area of Maharlika Building for illegal gambling. Arrested were Raymund Operario Batang, 36; Alejandro Bienes Besa, 52 and Alejandro Galvan Quibote, 61. 

Police said they were informed by concerned citizen informing that illegal gambling was in progress prompting operatives of Station 7 to speedily respond that led to arrest of suspects.

 Confiscated from the suspects were playing cards and cash bets of P750.

 A case for illegal gambling was filed against arrested suspects at the Prosecutor’s Office. 

“The PNP crackdown on illegal gambling in the region will carry on as long as there are tough gambling operators that keep on operating their illegal activities,” said Chief Supt. Elmo Francisc Oco Sarona, regional police director.

Drug suspect shot dead in  Bulacan

HAGONOY, Bulacan -- John Michael Trinidad, 21, was shot by motorcycle-riding men here in Barangay San Pablo Feb. 16. He died while being treated in a hospital.

Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director, said the fatality was a known drug pusher and surrendered under Oplan Tokhang last year. – Ric Sapnu

Teen, scolded by mother, hangs self

SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte -- A 19-year-old pizza shop service crew hanged herself at their house here Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Dexter Corpuz, Ilocos Norte Police Office spokesman, said the victim’s cousin Lovely Guieb told investigators that her aunt, who is in Manila, called the teen to scold her over her habitual tardiness.

The victim, he added, left a note expressing her frustration about the incident. – Raymund Catindig 

Tourist police deployed in Baguio due to pickpockets

BAGUIO CITY – “Tourist policemen” were deployed here as Panagbenga Festival hiked into high gear. Several tourist assistance desks were deployed along strategic areas along Session Road with others deployed at Burnham park.

Chief Insp. Eddie Bagto, chief of tourist urged locals and tourists joining revelries to be alert since pickpocket cases are rampant. He urged the public to support the programs of the police to efficiently maintain peace and order. -- Gaius Cabrera  

Hogtied body found in Cagayan

ENRILE, Cagayan – The decomposing body of an unidentified man believed to be a drug suspect was found here in Barangay Liwan Feb. 17.The body was hogtied and bore multiple gunshot wounds. Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing. – Raymund Catindig

Taxi driver nabbed for selling shabu

BAGUIO CITY – A taxi driver was arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera agents here Monday afternoon during a buy-bust operation at First Road, Quezon Hill Proper. Brian Bulante Llabres, 30, native of Masbate and resident of Pinsao Pilot here was arrested when he sold shabu worth P6,000 to a PDEA undercover agent.

The suspect is now detained at the Baguio City Jail while a case for illegal drugs was filed against him.