Three individuals arrested for illegal gambling will also face additional charges after one of them was found with shabu, a gun, and an icepick during an anti-criminality operation in Makati City early Friday, Aug. 21.

The Southern Police District (SPD) identified the suspects as “Arvin,” 43; “Jayson,” 35; and “Gian,” 31. They were apprehended on Bernardino Street in Laperal Compound, Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, at around 1:30 a.m.

The arrest came after a concerned citizen alerted Makati City police personnel, who were conducting a routine anti-criminality patrol, about an ongoing gambling activity in the area.

The officers immediately proceeded to the area and found the suspects actively engaged in gambling. They were subsequently placed under arrest.

During a search, authorities recovered from Arvin a .38-caliber revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition, an icepick, and a heat-sealed transparent sachet containing about 0.2 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1,360.

Police said the suspects are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (illegal gambling), Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Batas Pambansa Blg. 6 concerning illegal possession of bladed weapons.

They added that relevant documents are being finalized for submission to the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office for appropriate legal action.

The SPD said it will continue to intensify its anti-criminality operations and encouraged the public to immediately report illegal activities to the nearest police station or through official police hotlines.