Southern District Police facade | PHOTO: Official facebook page of SPD
MANILA, Philippines — Police arrested a total of 14 individuals, mostly Chinese nationals, over illegal gambling and illegal possession of firearms.
According to a Southern Police District (SPD) report on Wednesday, the suspects were caught last September 4 during an operation conducted by District Special Operations Unit-Southern Police District and Tambo Police Substation 2, Parañaque City Police in a recreational hub in Bayview Drive, Tambo, Parañaque City.
Complaints for the violation of Presidential Decree 1602 which prescribes stiffer penalties on illegal gambling were filed against Gong, Zhao Wei, 34 years old; Long, Junfei, 33; Tang, Xiaoxang, 29; Dong, Jian Hua, 27; Zhao, Zheng, 26; Li, Xin, 35; Tan, Yucheng, 31; Chen, Guo Dong, 28; Yu, Shuai, 37 years old; Han, Xu, 33 years old; Jonathan Tañedo, 43; Yue, Xiao Lu, 27, and Anna Silverio, 22.
Meanwhile, a complaint for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” was filed against a certain Salman, Ali, male, 28 years old. He also faces a complaint for violating Batas Pambansa 881 or the “Omnibus Election Code” which prohibits anyone from carrying a firearm outside their residence or place of business during election season — unless legally permitted.
Three table gaming machines, 170 pieces of tokens, one counting machine, three bundles of money amounting to ₱27,000.00 in different denominations, one 9-mm caliber Rock Island M1911 A1-FS, one 9mm magazine, and four pieces of 9mm live ammunition were recovered in the said operation.
In the same report, SPD assured that they will continue upholding their commitment on battling against illegal gambling.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate illegal gambling activities and ensure a safer environment for all, regardless of their nationality,” it stated.
The suspects were detained at the custodial facility of Parañaque City Police Station.