Despite criticisms for the failed capture of the “big fish” of the illegal game swertres, regional police operatives arrested a city barangay captain last Friday. The brgy. Captain, Manolo Blanco of Mansasa District, is identified as a “big time” financier operating all over the province.
A joint team from the intelligence branch of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) and the Bohol PNP seized cash amounting P586,715. The team were composed of S/Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe and selected operatives of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) led by S/Supt. Edgardo Ingking.
Blanco is said to be the biggest financier of the illegal numbers game in the province operating through networks in several towns with well structured coordinators particularly operating in the city.
The raid is considered to be the biggest success so far for PRO-7 after Regional Director C/Supt. Federico Terte ordered a region-wide crackdown against swertres.
Arnel Pablo,of Matig-a Street this city, was also nabbed at Blanco’s residence. He is one of the coordinators.
Blanco will be charged for violating RA 9287, the law governing illegal numbers game, and could face stiffer penalties being an elected public official.
Under Sec. 5 of RA 9287, a government employee or public official caught as a financier or operator of illegal numbers game shall be meted the penalty of 12 to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P3 million to P5 million.
