EPD nabs 3 more in drive vs gambling

Three women bet collectors of Metro Manila jueteng king Tony Santos were arrested in San Juan over the weekend in a continuing anti-illegal gambling drive waged by the Eastern Police District (EPD).

The arrest of Elizabeth Edrate, 46, Cristina Alba, 47 and Amparo Tugnao, 57, brought to 21 the number of people arrested by the EPD since it launched all-out war against illegal gambling last Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Simeon Dizon Jr., EPD director vowed to stamp out from his area jueteng operated not only by Santos, a Marikina City-based gambling lord, but also those tagged as "untouchables" during the administration of deposed President Joseph Estrada.

Police named the "untouchable" gambling lords operating in eastern Metro Manila as Peping Suarez of San Juan; Totong Melendrez of Pasig City and Romy Lajara of Rizal province.

Suarez is allegedly a kumpadre of the former president, Melendrez is said to be related to Joy Melendrez, one of the mistresses of Mr. Estrada and Lajara was allegedly protected by Estrada’s son Air Force Capt. Jude Estrada.

According to Dizon his men arrested 11 of Suarez’s personnel in their relentless anti-illegal gambling drive. His men are now training their eyes on Melendrez and Lajara, he said.

Dizon said the three women were collecting bets in Barangay West Crame, San Juan, Saturday when picked up by a police team under Superintendent Federico Castro Jr., EPD intelligence chief.

Seized from them were P480 in cash and gambling paraphernalia such as ballpens and betting lists. – Non Alquitran