Mayors, b’gay execs probed for illegal gambling

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna.. – Several mayors and barangay officials in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) are being monitored for their alleged involvement in the operations of bookies and other forms of illegal gambling, an official said yesterday.

Chief Superintendent MaO Aplasca, Calabarzon police director, did not identify the officials pending validation and the results of investigations.

Aplasca recently met with police officials and representatives of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to discuss the operations of small town lottery, which the PCSO is expanding, and other measures to address illegal gambling.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Randy Peralta, Batangas police director, clarified an earlier statement of the Calabarzon police office that Chief Inspector Ronnie Golfo of  San Jose, Batangas was among the police chiefs relieved from their posts for failing to curb illegal numbers games in their turfs.             

Golfo was replaced after he filed a leave of absence to attend to family matters and study for his career development, Peralta said.

In the Caraga region, police said 305 persons were arrested in 194 anti-gambling operations conducted from Jan. 1 to Aug. 14.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, Caraga police director, said the number of arrests is 417 percent higher compared to the same period last year.