7 held for ‘lotteng’ operations in Metro Manila
SEVEN persons involved in suspected “lotteng” operations in Metro Manila were apprehended by agents of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in separate operations in Navotas and Makati cities on Wednesday and Thursday, the Journal Group learned
The arrests were made in the aftermath of a massive “war” on all forms of illegal gambling activities ordered by NCRPO director Major General Vicente D. Danao Jr., who also vowed that “maintainers and protectors” of these illegal number games, regardless of their profession and status in the society, will be unmasked and charged in court.
Around 2:45 p.m. Thursday, members of the NCRPO Regional Special Operations Division under Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Montante arrested “lotteng” collectors Rowena Arizala and Eleberto Nalda in Bgy. NBBS in Navotas City.
Recovered from the possession of the suspects by NCRPO-RSOG officers led by Major Karlo Eden Mahinay were several gambling paraphernalia and P3,641 in cash bets.
Another five suspects were arrested by NCRPO-RSOG officers led by Major Maynard Pascual during a raid at No. 2733 Aragon Street in Bgy. San Isidro, Makati City about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday.
The suspects were identified as lotteng collectors Carmelita Sanchez, 66; Cherry Rose Fuentes, 27; Romeo Mortel, 61; Nicanor Sanchez, 67; and Jovito Pulvera, 60.
Mortel, also identified as a “cabo” of the illegal gambling den, yielded a caliber .380 semi-automatic pistol when frisked.
Recovered during the operation were two “rota” or booklets being used in bet collection, a calculator and P3,290 in cash bets.
All arrested suspects were charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287, which increased the penalties for the illegal numbers’ games. Mortel was also charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013.
