BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod City is investigating two village chiefs and an ex-city government official in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental for alleged links to illegal gambling.
NBI-Bacolod chief Renoir Baldovino said they have issued summons to village chiefs Joel Alebajo and France Jonard Seguero of barangays 5 and 6, respectively.
Also invited were certain Mam and JR Basinillo.
The four could not be reached for comment as of this writing.
Baldovino declined to name the former city official who allegedly operated illegal Small Town Lottery (STL) in Kabankalan.
According to Baldovino, they summoned the individuals following an entrapment operation on Feb. 15 which resulted in the arrest of three bet collectors and a bettor in barangays 5, 6 and 7.
The arrested were Renante Brioso, Reda Ayala, Janet Fustor, and Glen Binigay. Charges were already filed against them.
Baldovino said operators of illegal STL are using the draw results of the Super Lucky Beagler, Inc., (SLBI), the only authorized STL operator by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.
NBI-Bacolod’s investigation revealed that the arrested recently attended a meeting at the barangay hall of Barangay 6.
The group also allegedly spread misinformation that SLBI’s authority to operate had already expired.
SLBI’s authority to operate is until 2024.
Baldovino added the results of the investigation will be known once the summoned personalities show up to explain themselves./PN
