• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Thirty Small Town Lottery (STL) illegal collectors, also known as “bookies”, have been arrested by the police in Bacolod City and Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental from January until present this year.
They are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9287 or an Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games.
Such is the result of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) further intensifying their campaign against the proliferation of illegal betting outlets using STL as a front.
“Bookies” use the same numbers drawn by STL.
However, the illegal bet collectors, referred to as “riders,” oftentimes use the identification cards of STL employees and collect bets that are not remitted to the government.
Among those charged before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office were Seth Desuyo Jr., Cherry Pink Camarines, Albert Abquilan, Maria Luz Castillo, Rosie Bacaro, Mary Grace Tolentino, Tristan Montepio, Eduardo Dolfo, Ruby Ann Maghanoy, Daniel Dizon, and Patricio Delfin Jr.
A bail bond of P60,000 has been recommended by the court for the provisional release of Delfin, who was arrested in Himamaylan City on April 3.
The apprehension of Delfin yielded P3,380 in alleged cash bets, tally sheets of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and a dilapidated STL identification card, police records showed.
“Bookies” pose as a direct challenge to the legitimate operations of the PCSO.
RA 9287, which increases penalties for illegal numbers games in the country, aims to eradicate such activities and punish those involved, including bettors, personnel, and government officials while also protecting witnesses and providing incentives for law enforcement officers.
Collectors or agents may be imprisoned for eight years and a day to 10 years, while personnel or staff of illegal numbers game operations face imprisonment for six years and up to eight years, and collectors or agents may be imprisoned for eight years and a day to 10 years.
Police investigations indicate that financiers of illegal gambling are paying the recommended bail set by the court for the arrested bet solicitors, who upon being released, resume their illegal activities.
Last year, more than 100 “bookies” were arrested by BCPO and NOCPPO operatives in Negros Occidental. | GB
