STL operators seen behind illegal gambling: police
The Police Regional Office 6 is keeping a tight watch on individuals who use the legal operations of the small town lottery (STL) as front for illegal gambling.
“That’s one concern that we are looking into now,” Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr., police regional director, said referring to reports that legal STL operators are also those behind the “bookies” operation.
“Bookies” operation means that a number of legal STL collectors are collecting bets for the illegal game whose winning numbers are based on the draw of the legal one.
At least four persons are behind this operation in Iloilo City, police reports said.
This operation is on top of other illegal numbers game like “daily double,” “loteng,” and “PBA last two.”
Pagdilao said the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office already coordinated with the PRO 6 to help them find out whether the STL operators are indeed operating the way they should operate according to their franchise.
“Kasi merong mga reports that illegal gambling, especially jueteng, is not only alive today, but is still kicking, because the STL that should be the one to kill jueteng ay hindi nagagamit according to their purpose or the mandate of their franchise,” Pagdilao said.
There are STL operators who downplay their earnings for a definite purpose like tax evasion, he said. However, they get more profits from illegal operations.
In Western Visayas, Pagdilao said what is more prevalent is the concern of STL collections done outside the legitimate franchise.
Based on a certification signed by STL project manager Romualdo Quiñones, the PCSO Board of Directors has approved the grant of authority to the Iloilo Small Town Lottery Gaming Corp. to operate the STL in Iloilo City, and to the Super Lucky Beagler Inc. to operate the STL in Negros Occidental, except Bacolod City.
Both corporations therefore are authorized to collect or solicit bets only within their approved area of jurisdiction.
Quiñones clarified that the STL has not been launched in any other province or city in the Western Visayas region.
Pagdilao said they are also conducting counter-intelligence operations on the possible involvement of PNP members in illegal gambling operations.
A senior superintendent is allegedly financing a “daily double” operation in Pototan town, Iloilo in partnership with a businessman from Capiz.
