Five scalpers selling tickets for the Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines Finals Game 2 between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at a much higher price were nabbed by the police in Quezon City on Wednesday.
The Quezon City Police District said the suspects – Romeo Beltran, Rossman Dado, Gilbert Tuñacao, Randy Babagay, and Rommel Gagui – were arrested in different areas within the vicinity of the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao where the game was held.
Joint elements of the Intelligence Division, Special Operations Unit, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit collared the suspects during its intensified crackdown operation against ticket scalpers for the much anticipated event.
During the operation, the five men were caught in the act of selling UAAP tickets to undercover cops within the coliseum and far from the event’s authorized ticket booths.
Police also said that the arrested scalpers were selling on-hand tickets for at least 10 times its original price.
The suspects were taken to the QCPD headquarters in Camp Karingal for investigation and proper disposition.
Charges for violation of the Quezon City anti-scalping ordinance have been filed against them.
Based on Quezon City Ordinance SP-493, S-97, scalping is defined as “unlawful selling or buying of admission tickets outside the authorized official booth, outlet, or place designated for the purpose.”
Under the ordinance, scalpers shall be penalized through a fine of R5,000 or imprisonment of one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.
If twice arrested, they will be automatically sentenced to both one year imprisonment and fined R5,000. (Alexandria Dennise San Juan)
