2 nabbed in QC raid on ‘sidewalk casinos’

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were arrested during a raid on one of two “sidewalk casinos” in Cubao, Quezon City Saturday.

Rogerlio Almaro, 43, and Josua Marasigan, 32, were cornered by police officers who raided the casino on Pinatubo street at around 7 p.m. Saturday.

Three “color game” dice, a betting board, a color game board and P520 were confiscated from the two men, who were charged with illegal gambling before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

The other sidewalk casino, located on nearby West Point street, shut down when its operators learned of the raid, police said.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria ordered the raid on the two sidewalk casinos following complaints by residents, who said they were the cause of the rising number of crimes in the area.

The two casinos were reportedly frequented by law enforcers, government officials and members of media to get their payoff, residents claimed.

NCRPO chief denies weekly payoffs

Valmoria denied reports that his nephew, a lawyer, has been collecting weekly payoffs from gambling operators based in Metro Manila on his behalf.

The NCRPO is conducting an intensified campaign against illegal gambling in consonance with the “no take” policy of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and their accomplishments could speak for it, Valmoria said.

A source claimed the operators of the sidewalk casinos reportedly dropped the name of “Attorney Valmoria” to prevent police officers from raiding the two establishments.

The source said gambling operators in Manila, Caloocan and Malabon have also mentioned the lawyer’s name as the one who collects weekly protection money.