Police seize illegal gambling machines in three barangays

CEBU, Philippines - About 17 illegal gambling machines were seized as the Cebu City Intelligence Branch and the Investigation and Detective Management Branch swept down on houses in three barangays in Cebu City yesterday.

Several pinball, video karera, and mole-mole machines were seized in barangays Quiot Pardo, Duljo Fatima, and Carbon in a three-hour operation that started at 11:00 p.m. Wednesday.

None of the caretakers of the illegal gambling machines were arrested.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, CIB chief, said that when they arrived at the area several persons, including the caretakers of the machines, scampered every which way.

“Ang mga machines sa sulod sa balay na namo nakuha tanan pero wala na miy naabtan,” Santander said.

Operatives are allowed to arrest only those who are caught in the act of playing with illegal gambling machines.

Seized in barangay Quiot Pardo were five pin balls, two video karera machines and one mole-mole machine in barangay Duljo Fatima, and five pin balls, three video karera machines, and one mole-mole machine in barangay Carbon were seized.

Santander said the caretakers have already been identified.

The operation was carried out upon the directive of Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe.

At least 10 persons were arrested in separate anti-illegal gambling operations conducted by the police in barangays of Carbon, Ermita, Mabolo, and Tejero in Cebu City last week.

Suspects are now detained at the CCPO stockade pending the filing of charges. (FREEMAN)