CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A suspected operator of illegal numbers game known in the underworld as “bookies” was killed when he traded shots with lawmen during raid at a gambling den in Barangat Bahay Pare, Candaba, Pampanga Saturday. Five persons were arrested.
Senior Supt. Joel Consulta, director Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO), identified the fatality as Rolando Yambao, 35, alias “Barak” alleged leader of “Balagatas Criminal Gang”.
Arrested suspects were Lilibeth Mariano Yambao; Manolito de la Cruz Villorente; Victorino Bulacon de la Cruz; Reggie Roberto Bernardino; and Paul Anthony Munsayac Ignacio, all residents of said place.
Police said Yambao, leads a criminal gang operating in nearby Baliuag, Bulacan, who venture into illegal gambling and illegal drugs that encroaches his base of operations to Pampanga area.
“Balagtas Criminal Group was placed under tight surveillance by the police following reports on its involvement in illegal gambling and prohibited drugs,” said Consulta.
Yambao group, Consulta said went on in his unlawful activities despite the warning and repeated appeal by the police to stop his illegal activities.
On Saturday morning, Yambao and his group were cornered by the raiding team led by Supt. Michael Masangkay,but instead of giving-up peacefully, the group showed strong resistance by firing towards the position of the lawmen.
Yambao, police said suffered gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
Consulta said exchange of gunfire ensued on the process killing Yambao on the spot. The other suspects yielded peacefully.
Found beside Yambao body is a calibre .45 pistol and ammunition for said firearm.
Policemen also recovered bundles of papelitos used in illegal numbers game operation and 19 sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and P20,349.00.
Consulta said two of Yambao’s aide eluded arrest and are now being hunted by the local police.