2 masiao runners fall; cop tagged financier

CEBU, Philippines - Two alleged masiao runners were arrested by the Provincial Intelligence Branch of Cebu Provincial Police Office the other day behind the Catmon church.

Those arrested were identified as Ramir Anciano, 50, of barangay Cogon, Bogo, and Alfredo Mauricio, of barangay Poblacion, Sogod town.

Anciano claimed they were financed by a policeman who is assigned to the Regional Health Services of the Cebu City Police Office.

Chief Insp. Maria Elma Delos Santos, head of PIB said that they received reports that Anciano was a trustee of the said policeman and collects tally sheets from other collectors from the towns of Sogod, Carmen and Catmon when they meet behind the church.

From there Anciano allegedly takes the tally sheets to Bogo City.

The evidence confiscated from Anciano were masiao tally sheets with different number combinations and P1,731 believed to be bet money. An identification card of the said policeman was also confiscated from him.

But Anciano later retracted his statement and said that the policeman is no longer their financier and turned over the masiao operations to a certain “Nesing” Melandres, of barangay Cogon, Bogo, and allegedly the brother of a barangay captain.

Delos Santos said that Melandres was arrested last November in Bogo for the same violation and was released after paying a P100,000 bail. She also said they do not have direct evidence against the policeman yet.

 Mauricio said he was just paid P150 for the use of his motorcycle in bringing the tally sheets.

CPPO director Supt. Erson Digal also said based on their intelligence information the policeman is involved in illegal gambling.

He also said they will try to get evidence against this policeman. — Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/BRP (THE FREEMAN)