Seven nabbed in community ‘gambling den’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Seven persons were arrested during a police raid on an alleged gambling den in Tubungan, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects as Isabelo Tabilleron, 54; Mauro Taburan, 52; Margarito Genteroles, 63; Marcial Mogote,59; Felix Tanutan, 50; and Nolan Malba, 37, all residents of Barangay Adgao, Tubungan.

The other suspect was Jose Ngitngit, 57, of Barangay Ingay, Tubungan.

They were caught in the house of a certain Ben Tabigne in Barangay Agdao around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Members of Tubungan Police Station barged into Tabigne’s house following reports of persons engaging in illegal gambling activities inside.

Four were caught playing mahjong while three were playing the card game called tong-its.

Recovered from their possession were playing cards, mahjong set and paraphernalia and P589 cash.

Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said the area was deemed as a gambling den as any person who wished to play mahjong or card games only needs to visit the place.

The persons inside the house were warned against gambling prior to the operation.

Apart from being illegal, the participants violated minimum health standards.

The suspects are now detained and will be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Providing Stiffer Penalties on Illegal Gambling).