5 nabbed in gambling den raid

Five persons, including two women, were arrested while gambling paraphernalia were confiscated in a police raid on a suspected gambling den in Quiapo, Manila yesterday.

The raid was conducted following complaints of concerned residents, especially parents of students, over the alleged illegal operation of the "color game" on a vacant lot located at the corner of Soler street and Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo, according to Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula.

Players, often students, bet on the desired color (red, white or blue) to win. Sources said the game of chance is rigged. The place is also protected by street thugs.

Sapitula said the gambling den, operated by a certain "Marissa," has been the subject of several police raids in the past, but the operator manages to continue her illegal activities.

The gambling area is located on a vacant lot hidden from the public through high galvanized iron fence. Its clients are mostly students from the University Belt, according to Sapitula

"Their operation has been off and on. They would lie low for a while then resume operation when nobody is looking," Sapitula said.

Records showed that a total of 37 gambling den personnel under Marissa have been arrested in six police raids since Jan. 3.

Yesterday’s raid was conducted by operatives of the Station Reaction Group and barangay officials.

Arrested were Chris Pagsuin, 30, of Antipolo, Rizal; Lester Reyes, 23, of Tondo, Manila; Rommel Santos, 30, of Navotas City; Kim Talosig, 28, of Isabela province; and Shiela Macaraeg, 21, of Sampaloc, Manila.

Charges of violation of the anti-gambling law were filed against the suspects.

Sapitula said he would recommend that the lot be sealed off.

He also directed his policemen to conduct a daily patrol of the area. – Nestor Etolle