Police officer faces estafa raps over 'e-sabong' (Sabong News)
Author
Francis Earl Cueto
Date
APRIL 01 2022
CHARGES of estafa and illegal gambling were slapped against a police officer assigned in Region-4A (Calabarzon) due to his addiction to e-sabong (online cockfighting).
According to the report, administrative and criminal cases were slapped against Lt. John Kevin Menes, 24, assigned to the PNP Drug Enforcement Group – Special Operations Unit – 4 (DEG– SOU4), PRO-4A.
Reports said that Menes, a graduate of the PNP Academy, was first restricted at the headquarters of the PRO-4A in Laguna over the disappearance of some P500,000 in cash allocated to the DEG in Calabarzon, which was being used as show money during buy-bust operations, as well as other expenses of the local police anti-drug units.
However, Menes escaped on March 27 and left the camp using a car that he borrowed from his subordinate, Pat. Melvin Bojocan Barbo.
He refused to return the car thus resulting in a search and recovery operation.
After two days, they received a tip that Menes was spotted at an online betting station in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
When police arrived, they were told that Menes was being held by the employees of the facility for his unpaid debts amounting to P15,000.
The vehicle, investigations showed, was found in Tondo, Manila.
Police then proceeded to the area early Thursday and found the vehicle he borrowed from the rookie policeman.
It was learned that the suspect pawned the car to a certain Angel Robert Maximo for P170,000 with an interest of 1 percent per day.
"Knowing fully that the vehicle is owned by a Commissioned Officer and gaining his trust and confidence, he (Maximo) accepted the offer and paid Lt. Menes, the said amount, who in turn, delivered the mortgage vehicle to him," the report said.
Menes was then arrested and taken back to the police camp while the vehicle was recovered and returned to the rookie policeman.
Last month, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, urged all unit commanders to inspect gadgets of their subordinates to determine those who are hooked on 'e-sabong'.
