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PNP closes 2,000 lotto, STL outlets on first day after Duterte issues order
The Philippine National Police closed 2,000 lotto and small town lottery outlets on Saturday, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a halt to gaming operations with franchises, licenses or permits granted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
"Umabot na ng 2,000 outlets ang napasara ng PNP kahapon. Wala pa tayong tala kung ilan ang tala ng mga outlets nationwide," Philippine National Police spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.
Banac: Umabot na ng 2,000 outlets ang napasara ng PNP kahapon, wala pa tayong tala kung ilan ang tala ng mga outlets nationwide. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g
— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) July 27, 2019
In a video message aired by the Presidential Communications Operations Office on Friday, Duterte cited corruption as the reason why he has ordered the closure and stoppage of gaming operations with franchises, licenses or permits granted by PCSO.
The order took effect on Saturday, July 27.
PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde then ordered a massive crackdown on illegal gambling nationwide in compliance with Duterte's order.
"Napag-utusan tayo ng ating Pangulo at isinakatuparan agad natin," Banac said.
Some critics said closing lotto and STL outlets will just benefit operators of the illegal numbers game jueteng.
"May mga iba-ibang reaksiyon dito pero ang mahalaga muna, maisakatuparan natin ang kautusan ng Pangulo at inaksiyonan natin para matigil na ang korapsyon," Banac said.
Banac said the PNP gave closure notices to lotto and STL outlets on Saturday.
"'Yung mga voluntary na hindi nag-open, binigyan ng karatula na closed na. 'Yung mga nagbukas, sinabihan na magsara na sila," he said.
"Sa ngayon kino-consolidate pa natin ang kabuuan ng mga lotto outlets ang napasara natin," Banac added.
The PNP spokesman admitted that some bettors were also arrested since they were caught in the act of placing bets when police officers arrived.
"May mga gano'n na rin na inaresto, mga aktuwal na tumataya in the presence ng ating mga kapulisan habang ginagawa ang pagpapasara ng mga outlet. In the act na tumataya sila bilang illegal gambling, inaresto rin," Banac said.
"Wala pong lusot sa kaso kapag nahuli sa aktong nakikilahok sa illegal gambling. Dahil ito ay paglabag sa batas at naaktuhan sila na tumataya, may mga nadamay na bettors," he added.
Tong-its, karera ng gagamba
Banac reminded the public that playing the card game tong-its is also illegal gambling if money is involved.
"Kahit tong-its lang 'yan kung may perang involved ay sugal na rin 'yan at labag sa batas. Kahit labanan ng gagamba 'yan, kailangan pa rin nating aksyonan dahil may involved pa ring pera diyan," he said.
"Lahat talaga ng uri ng laro na ginagamitan ng pera bilang bet ay bawal po talaga lalo na 'pag ginagawa natin outside of our residence," he said.
"'Pag sa loob (ng bahay), kinokonsider na laro lamang o fun. Hindi dapat nakikita outside," Banac said.
However, he said that even if a game is played indoors, if this involves money and at least two tables, it can be considered illegal gambling.
"Kung marami na, dalawang lamesa, at regular na ginagawa ay pasugalan na," Banac said.
"Kung tayo ay magkaroon ng katuwaan, huwag na mag-involve ng pera," he said, adding that even "gambling" during wakes is prohibited.
"May batas po na umiiral at kailangan po namin itong ipatupad," Banac explained.
Under Presidential Decree 1602, those found guilty of illegal gambling may face a fine, community service, or jail time.
The PCSO on Saturday said it will appeal to Duterte to grant the resumption of its gaming operations.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Saturday admitted he was surprised by Duterte's order, but assumed that it was only a temporary suspension.
Malacañang on Saturday said Duterte will release the names of those behind an alleged corruption scheme in the PCSO. —KG, GMA News
