CIDG-7: Evidence vs foreigners strong

CEBU, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 insisted it has strong evidence against the 181 Chinese nationals arrested for alleged illegal online gambling operations in Lapu-Lapu City despite the prosecutor’s ruling to release them for lack of evidence.

Contrary to the prosecutor’s findings, Police Lieutenant Colonel Hector Amancia, deputy chief of CIDG-7, believes that they have a strong case against the suspects. He said they will present additional evidence in compliance with the order of Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor Ruso Zaragoza.

The CIDG-7 was given 10 days to submit additional evidence during the conduct of the regular preliminary investigation.

“As directed by the city prosecutor’s office, we will submit additional evidences,” Amancia said.

He, however, refused to elaborate what additional evidence they have against the suspects but, he said they are now preparing the documents to be presented during the preliminary investigation.

“I will refrain to comment on that, but we are preparing sa among dokumento that we will be submitting later on sa city prosecutor’s office.” Amancia said.

Zaragoza reversed an earlier finding of probable cause by assistant prosecutors Sheilamar Saliganan-Abadia and Antonio Aseniero. He said the CIDG-7 failed to establish enough evidence that the Chinese nationals were involved in the operations of illegal online gambling.

Zaragoza ordered the release of the suspects and the conduct of a regular preliminary investigation.

‘We stand our ground, we respect the findings but it doesn’t mean to say that we agree,” Amancia explained.

He reiterated that the Chinese nationals violated Presidential Decree 1602. The operatives of CIDG-7 swooped down on the building occupied by Xin Juang Jin Cheng Ltd. Inc. Saturday last week based on a search warrant issued by the court.

The company is allegedly involved in illegal online gambling through the 22bet.com website. The company, however, claimed they are legitimate customer relations service provider. They presented a certificate of accreditation from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Meanwhile, Amancia defended the alleged special treatment afforded to the female suspects while in police custody. He admitted that the female suspects were billeted in a hotel because they do not have the facility to accommodate them.

Amancia explained that the accommodation was paid for by some Chinese nationals who extended help to the suspects.

“We are not the one paying their bills in their hotel accommodation.” Amancia clarified. — FPL (FREEMAN)