The proliferation of the illegal numbers game “Swertres” has reached an alarming proportion, police provincial director, Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said after a big haul of coins was taken from suspected financiers in Purok Makiangayon, Calindagan, Dumaguete City , about 9 p.m. Friday.

Raided by joint operatives of the 705th Provincial Mobile Group headed by Maj. Julius Muñez and the city PNP Intelligence division was the residence of Paul Bana and his wife Florecita, believed to be among the biggest financiers in Dumaguete, and Negros Oriental.

Confiscated were eight big containers believed to contain almost half a million in coins of different denominations, and voluminous illegal gambling paraphernalia, including newsprints for printing tips and stubs, and bundles of tally sheets with previous results.

Seven persons were also arrested, including the son of the “enkargado” Paul Bana Jr., Orson Melon, Clarita Caro, Rico Austero, John Paul Sarming, Bril Mahinay and Ernesto Villamil Jr.

The spouses Paul and Flory Bana as well as Julie Melon, Randy Cataylo, and Romeo Cataylo were not around during the operation.

Immediately after the raid, Paul Jr. posted bail of P100,000, and the runners P60,000 each.

Sarming, Mahinay and Villamil were ordered released because the judge said they were not identified in the search warrant dated Nov. 23, issued by Judge Antonio Estoconing of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1, Dumaguete.

Witnessing the operation were Calindagan Kagawads Ronnie Pasunting and Gemma Villaflores.

Buenafe said he believes that the illegal gambling operations were crippled for a while, with reports that general coordinators are transferring from one place to another.

Buenafe said it is alarming because even the Hall of Justice is being penetrated. He said financiers made it convenient for people to bet by placing coordinators in government buildings.

He disclosed that indications are high that police officers are also indulging in these activities.

Buenafe assured Mayor Agustin Perdices he will check on these reports.

A case for violation of Republic Act 9287, or illegal gambling, was filed against the suspects before the City Prosecutors Office yesterday.* JG/RG

back to top