Photo courtesy of MPD PIO
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Manila Police District officers from the Meisic Police Station nabbed two individuals, Richard Francisco and Rolando Belano, for engaging in an illegal Cara y Cruz game and possession of an improvised firearm in Binondo, Manila, on March 23, 2026.
The suspects were caught squatting on Elcano Street, near CM Recto Avenue, and were found with P403 in betting money and a loaded “pen gun” with one live ammunition.
Francisco, 42, and Belano, 50, were brought to the hospital for physical examination and are facing charges under PD 1602 (Cara y Cruz) and RA 10591 (Firearms and Ammunition Law).
The seized firearm will undergo ballistic examination, and authorities will verify if Francisco has a license to possess the weapon.
The case is headed for inquest proceedings.
ia/xf
