ILOILO – “May mga small-time.” This was how Police Colonel Roland Vilela, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), described illegal gambling operations in this province.
“Daily we have arrests. Nakukuha natin P50, P60. Analyzing the data, it seems to me walang organized talaga na malakihan,” Vilela said.
Following the suspension in July of the operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL) franchisee here, Red Subay Gaming Corp., Vilela said had been arrests of illegal STL bet collectors
“Minsan sa isang araw, may tatlo oir apat, minsan isa lang,” said Vilela.
The illegal gambling operators based their winning numbers on the legitimate STL draws in the province of Guimaras, according to the IPPO director.
He assured the public that the campaign against illegal gambling won’t cease.
“We can’t close our eyes on it,” Vilela said.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) immediately warned illegal gambling operators and minions after STL in Iloilo was suspended in July. It was anticipatinga resurgence in illegal gambling activities.
“We will be running after them, arrest them and file charges against them,” said Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director.
One popular illegal numbers game in the region is bookies.
Bookies operators are expected to hold the draws themselves because STL draws have been suspended.
“We will not let them operate,” said Pamuspusan.
The director ordered an intensified campaign against illegal gambling.
The State condemns illegal gambling as this has become a factor in an individual’s disregard for the value of dignified work, perseverance and thrift.
According to Pamuspusan, those into illegal gambling – bettor (tayador), bet collector (cobrador), supervisor/controller of the cobrador (encargado), operator, financier, protector/coddler – would be charged with violating Republic Act 9287 which prohibits illegal gambling.
Under the law, even the mere possession of paraphernalia used in illegal gambling is deemed prima facie evidence of violation./PN
