GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Armed with a search warrant, authorities swooped down on the house of an elder sister of 7-division world boxing champ and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao on suspicion that it was being used for an illegal gambling operation.
General Santos City police raided on Thursday the house of Isidra Pacquiao-Paglinawan, who is allegedly involved in running a “Last 2” numbers game.
"Last 2" is an illegal gambling scheme wherein bettors pick the last 2 digits of winning lotto numbers.
Arrested during the raid were 10 suspected “ushers” who allegedly operate the scheme.
Police seized gambling paraphernalia and thousands of pesos during the raid.
Pacquiao’s sister was not present during the raid.
One of the boxer’s lawyers did not try to stop the raiding team.
“I understand that the searching team will do their work. They have to continue processing the documentation,” said lawyer Giovanni Mata.
Police were already collecting evidence when the first-term Congressman Pacquiao rushed to the house on Thursday.
His father, Rosalio, was having a small birthday celebration at the adjacent house, which is why they were surprised to see several policemen entering his sister’s residence.
Pacquiao said he has yet to talk to his sister regarding the matter, and vowed not to use his influence to help his sister get off the hook.
“Kung may kinalaman siya dito e...kung kailangan niyang...kung may kasalanan siya, e di parusahan. Ganoon naman ako, walang pinipili,” he said
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 12 has been on an anti-illegal gambling drive for the past 3 months.
Police said they will be filing complaints against those involved in the illegal numbers game. -- report from Francis Canlas, ABS-CBN News Soksargen
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