No forgiveness for gambler

A utility man for a foundation in Manila found himself in jail after losing some P144,300 of the foundation’s money in a cockfight bet last Monday.

Now detained at the General Assignments Section of the Western Police District for qualified theft is Reynato Bruno, 25, of 3445 Adora Street, Makati City.

According to police, Bruno who works for the Far East Maritime Foundation Inc. located at the Victoria Building on United Nations Avenue, was asked by Rodeth Ferraren, an accounting assistant for the foundation, to deposit the amount in two banks at about 2:30 p.m. last Monday.

Ferraren became suspicious when Bruno failed to report back at the office. She then learned from the banks that the money was not deposited.

According to investigator Mario Salonga, Ferraren later called Bruno, who admitted to having spent the money. He asked for her forgiveness.

Ferraren then told Bruno to go to her house in Pamplona, Las Piñas the following day.

At about 7:30 a.m. yesterday, Bruno appeared at Ferraren’s house, where he was met by a group of WPD officers and was promptly arrested.

Bruno later admitted having spent the cash on a cockfight. Taken from him at the time of his arrest were P5,802 in cash, which was what remained of the foundation money, bank passbooks and unused bank deposit slips. – Mike Frialde