Two men were arrested while an unlicensed firearm and gambling paraphernalia were confiscated during an anti-criminality operation conducted by the Makati City Police Station in Barangay Bangkal on Thursday, June 11.
According to the Makati City Police Station, personnel from Bangkal Sub-Station 4 were conducting a tactical anti-criminality patrol at around 3 pm when a concerned citizen reported an ongoing illegal gambling activity at the corner of La Guardia and Cailles Streets.
Responding officers proceeded to the area and verified the report, where they allegedly caught a group of individuals engaged in the illegal gambling game known as “cara y cruz.” Police arrested two suspects identified only by their aliases “Sonny Boy” and “Joel,” both of legal age, while several other participants managed to escape.
Authorities recovered gambling paraphernalia from the suspects, including three one-peso coins used in the game and bet money amounting to P553 in various denominations.
During a routine body search, police said they recovered a .38-caliber revolver with a rusty metallic silver finish from the waistband of suspect “Joel.” The firearm was loaded with three live rounds of ammunition and was allegedly unregistered.
The suspects were informed of their constitutional rights, underwent medical examination, and were subsequently booked at the Makati City Police Station. The confiscated firearm and ammunition were turned over to the Southern Police District Forensic Unit for ballistic examination.
Police said the two suspects will face charges for violating Presidential Decree 1602, or the law against illegal gambling. In addition, the suspect will also be charged under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The suspects remain in police custody pending inquest proceedings before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
The Makati City Police Station said the operation reflects its continuing efforts to curb illegal gambling and other unlawful activities in the city. Police Col. Pedro Alagano Jr., Makati City Chief of Police, urged residents to report similar incidents to authorities, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order and building a safer Makati City.