2 held for ‘lotteng’ in Makati

MAKATI, Philippines — Two men were arrested for allegedly collecting bets for the illegal numbers game “lotteng” in Makati City on Tuesday.

Rodrigo Mendaro, 73, and Prudencio Ventura, 51, were caught by police conducting an anti-illegal gambling drive at the corner of A. Mabini and A. Bonifacio streets in Barangay West Rembo just before 8 p.m.

Police recovered “rota” or cards where number bets are listed, P173 in cash, a mobile phone, two ballpens and a pouch from the two men, who face charges of violating Republic Act 9287, which penalizes illegal gambling.

Lotteng is a combination of lotto and illegal numbers game jueteng, wherein lotteng bets would depend on the result of lotto draws shown on television.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recently warned local police chiefs that they would be relieved from their posts if they fail to stop illegal gambling.

The police chiefs of the cities of Pasay and Muntinlupa were recently sacked from their posts for failing to do so.