Gambler arrested after killing woman

A Filipino angered by gambling losses ran amok, killing a woman and injuring two men, consulate and police sources said.

The Philippine Consulate General confirmed the 48-year-old woman, identified as B.S., died two days after sustaining injuries during the fracas on August 29 in Karama, and that an arrest has been made.

The two men are in hospital, and a consulate officer said they were expected to make a full recovery from their injuries.

"We heard it was related to gambling and that the man lost a substantial amount of money," said a senior consulate officer.

"The man was allegedly the only one [at the table] who was constantly losing," he added. The accused then attacked the others at the table.

The Consulate said they were tracking down the woman's next of kin in the Philippines.

"We have informed our office in Manila and are currently waiting to hear from them," an officer said.

Consul General Generoso Calonge told Gulf News that people should learn from the incident.

"Gambling affects the decisions of people. They should be conscious of the laws and customs of the place they are in," he said.

A senior police official yesterday told Gulf News they arrested the 41-year old Filipino suspect in the lobby of the apartment building in Karama as he was trying to escape.

He added the suspect was being held at the Al Rifaa Police Station. Al Rifaa police told Gulf News a man was being held on gambling charges.