Illegal gambling operation mistaken as abduction

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has denied reports of an alleged abduction in the city.

“True, there was indeed a 66-year-old man who was forced to board a vehicle Saturday (March 7) afternoon. But no, he was not abducted,” Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said.

She identified the man as Ramon Salarda, a resident of brgy. Progreso, Lapuz, Iloilo City.

Sangrines clarified that Salarda was a subject of an anti-illegal gambling operation conducted by the ICPO Intelligence Section.

Intelligence operatives led by Police Major Ruel Firmo arrested the suspect after he was caught for bookies operation.

Police yielded from him cash of P1,100 and cotejos or bet lists for illegal Small Town Lottery (STL) operation.

But the operation was earlier reported as a possible case of abduction after Barangay Captain Myde Sollano claimed to have seen four men force Salarda onboard a vehicle around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Sollano said she flagged down the vehicle but it did not stop.

Sangrines said Firmo told her that he had to apply “necessary force” because they can’t stay in the area where the arrested person is a resident.

Firmo claimed that staying longer in the area might put his men’s security in danger.

Salarda is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9287.