14 nabbed in anti-illegal gambling operation

CEBU, Philippines —  The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 has arrested 14 individuals in different barangays of Asturias town during their anti-gambling operations on Friday.

 Atty. Dominador Cimafranca, officer-in-charge, said their operation came after Alexander Balutan, general manager of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in Manila, lodged a complaint before their office against Peryahan ng Bayan of Globaltech.

 Aside from PCSO’s complaint, the Saturn Gaming Corporation an authorized agent corporation, also filed a complaint against Peryahan ng Bayan for allegedly operating illegal number gambling activities (Suertres) in the Province of Cebu.

 On September 14, 2018, Cimafranca said their team conducted a buy-bust operation leading to the arrest of 14 illegal gambling collectors including Sandra Rojo who was caught accepting bets and operating a Global Tech Betting Station in Barangay Owak, Asturias.

Rojo, an employee of Global Tech and a resident of Lamac, Nangka, Balamban, is now facing a violation of Presidential Decree 1602 as amended by Republic Act 9287 otherwise known as the Law Increasing the Penalties of Illegal Numbers Game in relation to Republic Act 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 before the Prosecutor’s Office.

 Cimafranca said the complaints against the 14 individuals were filed on Monday before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

 Cimafranca further said the betting stations that were subject of their operation had no business permits posted in their respective booths and no new license and authority to operate from the PCSO.

 In 2014, the Globaltech was authorized by the PCSO to operate. However, their license was terminated in 2016.

 One of the arrested, an 18-year-old boy, said he had no idea that the betting station where he was employed was illegal. — MBG (FREEMAN)