ILOILO – Illegal gambling is a problem in around “65 percent” or 30 Iloilo municipalities, according to Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
He, however, declined to describe the problem as “rampant” or openly being practiced.
“It’s rampant kapag very open talaga sila, but its guerilla-type,” said Tayaba.
Illegal gambling bet collectors still work clandestinely, he explained, and mostly in barangays far from the prying eyes of the police.
He also said the bet collectors have resorted to soliciting bets through mobile phones, making it harder for cops to catch them.
At the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Tayaba said most of these affected towns were in the 5th District or northern Iloilo.
The district is made up of the towns of Ajuy, Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Batad, Carles, Concepcion, Estancia, Lemery, San Dionisio, San Rafael, and Sara.
“Lahat sila doon,” said Tayaba.
The Provincial Board summoned Tayaba on Tuesday in the wake of the reported resurgence of illegal gambling following the stoppage of Small Town Lottery operations in the province last month.
Iloilo has 42 towns and one component city (Passi).
“Thirty-five percent ‘yong wala,” said Tayaba.
He assured the SP members that policemen were doing their best to stop illegal gambling.
IPPO data showed 68 arrests due to illegal gambling since May 10 when Small Town Lottery franchisee Eagle-Crest Gaming and Holding Corp. ceased operating.
Tayaba said the 1st, 2nd and 5th districts each have one illegal gambling financier while there are two financiers in the 3rd and 4th districts./PN
