19 nabbed in PNP drive vs illegal gambling in Cordi

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Nineteen persons were arrested for illegal gambling in the Cordillera last week.

                Police apprehended 10 in Baguio, one in Benguet, and eight in Abra for involvement in illegal cockfighting, bookies, tupada and collecting bets.

In Abra, eight persons were separately apprehended while playing card games and cockfighting afternoon of March 13.

                Alleged gamblers were identified as Erwin B. Belarmino, 39; Rogie S. Queza, 45; Armando B. Samson, 41; Rogelio D. Alcantara, 61; Nora B. Baniago, 48 and Juvelene G. Castillo, 32 who were caught inside a house on Arellano St., Zone 3, Bangued, Abra playing card games.

Police confiscated two sets of playing cards and P1,900 bet money from them.

Meanwhile, Charlie Sequerra Ayco, 32 and Marnold Castillo Rafal, 35 were apprehended while engaging in cockfighting in Sitio Pudok, Barangay Cabuloan, Bangued same day.

Confiscated from them were two fighting cocks and P790 bet money.

Ten persons were also nabbed by the police for betting.

They were identified as Donald Racraven Busto, Jose Pat-ongay Wasian, Virgilio Delfin Acosta, Emmanuel Rustia Sambajon, June Lamsis Rufino, Cesar Delfin, Denver Damaso Dalisdis, Kurt Carbonel Tabon, Rufo Isiah Kiwas Binay-an and Lester Wadas Bangcawayan.

They were caught in Amsing, Pacdal, Baguio City afternoon of Feb. 14. They were nabbed after a concerned citizen informed police of ongoing illegal gambling known as tupada.

Confiscated from them were four fighting cocks, one dead fighting cock, one guffle and five helmets.

                In the afternoon of the same day, a bet collector identified as Pedro Salongan Patras was held for collecting bet money in Palina, Tuba, Benguet.

Confiscated from his possession were cash money amounting to P225.00 and assorted gambling paraphernalia.

                All arrested individuals were charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 known as illegal gambling.