OFFICERS from the Manila Police District (MPD) Sta. Cruz Police Station (PS-3) arrested three e-trike drivers on Tuesday afternoon after catching them engaged in illegal street gambling near a high school in Barangay 327, Sta. Cruz.
The suspects were identified as alias Joalex, 44, a resident of Fugoso St., Sta. Cruz; alias Jeric, 32, residing in Tondo; and alias Almar, 31, also from Tondo.
Police reports indicated that the three individuals are affiliated with local street gangs— Joalex and Almar with the Sigue Sigue Sputnik Gang, and Jeric with the Bahala Na Gang.
According to Station Investigation Officer PSSg Ricardo R. Peña, patrolling officers from the Alvarez Police Community Precinct were alerted by a concerned citizen at around 5:30 P.M. regarding an ongoing gambling operation behind T. Alonzo High School along Quiricada Street.
Responding officers reported catching the three suspects in flagrante delicto playing Cara y Cruz, a illegal coin-tossing game.
Police seized three one-peso coins used as flippers and ₱300 in bet money from the scene.
Following their arrest, the suspects were informed of their Constitutional rights under R.A. 7438, chose to remain silent, and were brought to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for a standard medical evaluation.
The suspects are currently detained at Sta. Cruz Police Station 3 while charges for violating Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling) are being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
