NCRPO chief: Jueteng not widespread in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is looking to map out jueteng operations in Metro Manila following the one-week deadline on the crackdown on illegal gambling issued by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa over the weekend. 

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said yesterday they are still checking the extent of jueteng operations in the metropolis.

Sinas noted that jueteng is not prevalent in Metro Manila compared to the provinces, but the police would still conduct a validation. 

“We have ordered the intelligence officers to find out kung saan malakas ang jueteng kung meron man. I don’t believe the whole Metro Manila is affected by jueteng, may mga ilang areas lang,” he told reporters.

Sinas said they would be stricter with small town lottery operations as STL is used by some jueteng operators as a front for illegal gambling. 

Violations by STL operators would be immediately filed with the prosecutor’s office instead of the usual administrative complaint, according to the NCRPO chief.

“Kapag sinabi nilang legal ang operasyon nila, sa fiscal tayo magkita. Doon sila mag-explain,” Sinas said.

Republic Act 9287 imposes fines and penalties on illegal gambling violators.

Earlier, Gamboa issued a one-week deadline for regional police directors to cleanse the list of illegal gambling operators nationwide.

Police regional directors who fail to curb illegal gambling, particularly jueteng and video karera would be relieved from their posts, Gamboa said.