8 Cubao ticket scalpers busted

The police filed charges against eight scalpers for selling overpriced basketball game tickets. The Quezon City police has filed charges of violation of the anti-scalping city ordinance against Wilfedo Javier, 51; Rene Sioco Jr., 34; Darwin Lumibao, 27; Alexander Mendoza, 38; Anabel Argueza, 39; Rosalie Guevarra, 42; Susan Nunez, 57 and Reggie Malapitan, 24.

They were arrested around 4 p.m. Tuesday before a sold-out game between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Alaska Aces started at the Smart - Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

A concerned fan reportedly alerted the QCPD's special operations unit (DSOU) that a the suspects were selling overpriced tickets to desperate fans.

The tickets were reportedly sold with a markup of from 70 to 100 percent.

DSOU operatives rushed by the scene and collared the scalpers.

The Quezon City anti-scalping ordinance defines scalping as “unlawful selling/or buying of admission tickets outside the authorized official booth, outlet, or place designated for the purpose.”

According to Supt. Rogarth Campo, DSOU chief, the arrested suspects, who are residents of Mandaluyong City, Manila, Pasay City and Quezon City and Cavite, know each other and have long been involved in ticket scalping, especially in basketball games.

"Usually, twice or thrice the price ang patong nila sa ticket," he said.

Recovered from the suspects were six cellphones and 29 tickets to the game with printed prices ranging from 1350 to 1850.

Campo said they took advantage and sold them for up to twice the face prices since tickets to the said game were sold out. The suspects are now detained at Camp Karingal.