5 nabbed for illegal gambling in Manila

The National Bureau of Investigation on Monday announced the arrest of five persons involved in illegal gambling in two simultaneous operations in Manila. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA–The National Bureau of Investigation on Monday announced the arrest of five persons involved in illegal gambling in two simultaneous operations in Manila.

The suspects identified as Reynaldo Nazareth, a manager; Clordeliza Cortez-Rotor, Arelene Tin Tee, Rose Marzan Fernandez, were all bet collectors and Anthony Razal Moran, a staff runner were all arrested during the two simultaneous entrapment operations in Sta. Cruz and Quiapo, Manila on Friday night.

The five persons were arrested for violation of PD 1602 (Prescribing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling) as amended by RA 9287 (An Act Increasing Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games), with penalties ranging from a minimum of 6 years up to 12 years imprisonment.

The case stemmed from a request from the Chairman of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra, seeking assistance and action of NBI on suspected illegal bookie operations on the above-cited areas.

Under strict orders from NBI Director Dante A. Gierran to immediately act on the said request, operatives of the NBI-AOTCD conducted the simultaneous operations in Sta. Cruz and Quiapo Manila resulting in the arrest of the 5 Subjects and the seizure of gambling paraphernalia.

Examination conducted by the NBI-Forensic Chemistry Division (NBI-FCD) on the arrested Subjects yielded positive for presence of Ultra-Violet Powder and yellow fluorescent specks and smudges on their hands.

The GAB Horse and Racing Division likewise issued a Certification that there is no permit/license under the name of the arrested subjects.

The suspects have been charged before the Office of the Prosecutor of Manila.