Gun seized in anti-gambling operation

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

A 24-year-old man was arrested after an unlicensed gun was seized from his possession following a police anti-gambling operation Oct 1, 2020 at a funeral wake in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Denmark Boteja, a resident of Barangay Pamuringao Proper, Cabatuan, Iloilo, yielded a caliber .357 revolver loaded with 4 live ammunition.

Members of Cabatuan Police Station went to Barangay Morubuan after receiving reports that several persons were seen playing cards at a funeral wake around 10:40 pm Thursday.

When the team of Police Major Niño Leonard Amar arrived, they saw several men playing pusoy with some onlookers around them.

“When we declared as members of Cabatuan Police Station, Boteja tried to run away,” Amar said.

But he didn’t notice that a policeman was standing behind him.

He was subsequently frisked, and the handgun was recovered from his possession.

But aside from Boteja, police also arrested three men who were playing “pusoy.”

They were identified as Renato Claveria, 56, of Rizal Ilaya St., Cabatuan; and Demnil Padilla, 22, and Samuel Minor, 33, both of Bafangay Morobuan.

Recovered from them was a set of playing cards and P2,251 cash bet.

The four suspects are now detained at Cabatuan Police Station.

Boteja will be charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) while the three other arrested persons will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Providing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling).