Anti-gambling ops in Metro Manila net 12 bet collectors

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MANILA — Operatives have arrested 12 persons for illegal gambling during simultaneous police operations in Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said on Sunday.

He said the NCRPO regional special operations unit (RSOU) conducted simultaneous police operations in the cities of Quezon, Paranaque, Pasig and Las Piñas on Saturday.

Eleazar said the 12 suspects were caught collecting bets for illegal number game “loteng” in which the winning numbers are being derived from the lotto games winning combinations drawn by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

On Sunday, Eleazar presented to the media the 12 suspects as well as the confiscated gambling paraphernalia at the NCRPO Headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

“Our campaign against illegal gambling will continue against syndicates who operate all forms of illegal numbers game in the region along with their protectors,” Eleazar said.

On July 26, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of all the PCSO-licensed games over reports of massive corruption in the agency.

Five days later, Duterte lifted the suspension order for lotto operations except for small town lottery (STL) which is reportedly being used as a front for illegal number game ‘jueteng.’

Eleazar said the NCRPO’s intensified operation against illegal gambling is in consonance with marching directives of PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

He reminded the public to refrain from operating illegal gambling, as they will be meted with the corresponding charges and penalties under the law.

Eleazar urged the public to provide information that could lead to the arrest of the persons involved in illegal activities.

“Police officers have a lot of work to do. We have the campaign against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality. Now, we need information, if the public has information, the can send it to us and we will operate. We will be relentless in our campaign against all forms of illegal gambling,” Eleazar said.