Two policemen hurt as neighbors block ‘masiao’ man’s arrest

An alleged coordinator of illegal numbers game “swertres” and “masiao” eluded arrest when his neighbors prevented the police from arresting him in barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

PO2 Felix Toñacao and PO2 Roy Bacus of the Mabolo police station sustained bruises in their arms during the commotion.

The two policemen rushed to sitio Matalisay on Tuesday night after receiving a report about an ongoing illegal gambling activity.

When they arrived in the area, the two policemen spotted Ester Calamba near her house allegedly tallying numbers combination.

The two policemen approached Calamba and identified themselves.

Commotion broke out when at least 10 people blocked the paths of the two policemen and prevented them from arresting Calamba.

The policemen called for back-up.

Calamba could no longer be found when operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Motor-Riding Unit (MRU) arrived.

Two of the neighbors who intervened were identified as Mauricio Malaba and Bobby Jumao-as, who also eluded arrest. They could be charged with obstruction of justice, police said.

Seized during the operation were several tally sheets, scissors, notebooks, stubs and other illegal gambling paraphernalia.