Police told to act on illegal gambling

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has assured the public the city government is not condoning the operations of illegal gambling including small town lottery which the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said has no permit to operate in the city.

Labella said he already directed Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Col. Josefino Ligan to look into the complaint of Barangay Captain Marciano Ando about the alleged proliferation of STL outlets in his barangay.

“We will never tolerate illegal gambling in the City of Cebu…Whenever, wherever, we will never tolerate it,” Labella said.

Labella said he wants the police to look into the alleged illegal operations of STL outlets not only in Carreta but in the entire city.

“Not just only in Carreta, I have already directed Col. Ligan to check all over the city if there is a proliferation of illegal gambling. I will hold the police responsible for this,” Labella added.

Labella warned that criminal charges will be filed by the city government against anyone involved in illegal gambling. The mayor said he already gave instructions to City Attorney Rey Gealon on the matter.

“We will never tolerate illegal gambling in the city, no way!” said Labella.

Ando, on March 22, 2021, wrote a letter to Labella complaining about the rampant operations of STL outlets in Carreta. He said the operations of STL outlets in the city are illegal because it did not have the authority from the PCSO.

PCSO Cebu branch manager Glen Jesus Rada, in a letter addressed to Ando, said not a single STL operator in Cebu City was granted a permit.

“There is no Small Town Lottery (STL) in Cebu City. The STL departmentalized draw, however, is conducted at our office at the North Reclamation Area,” Rada stated in his letter.

According to Rada, only Lotto and Keno agents have been granted a permit to operate in Cebu City. These agents are also allowed to sell Scratch It cards, a product of PCSO.

Ando estimated at least 47 STL outlets operating illegally in his barangay. He said the barangay has already reported them to the police and PCSO to avoid suspicion that they are protecting them. — FPL (FREEMAN)