Isabela town vice mayor, 7 others held over ‘mahjong’
TUGUEGARAO CITY — Maconacon town Vice Mayor Jolly Taberner was arrested along with two policemen and five others for alleged illegal gambling, authorities here said.
Police Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Nieves, Cagayan Valley regional police director, said Taberner and his companions were caught playing “mahjong” inside a house near the national highway in Barangay Balzain West here on Saturday afternoon.
Also arrested were police officers Christine Ruiz and Maconel Pascua, house owner Peter Laggui, and their companions who were identified as Pedro Baggay, Gerry Adducul, Grace Laggui, and Marlene Bautista.
Seized from them were mahjong sets and tables, a .45-caliber pistol with magazines and other paraphernalia.
The Inquirer tried to reach Taberner and his companions for comments but they declined to give a statement.
The suspects were placed under police custody in the city while awaiting charges for illegal gambling.
