Monday, September 10, 2007 Dad lauds ultimatum vs jueteng
COUNCILOR Richard Cariño lauded Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. for ordering the city police to stop the operation of illegal gambling in city within 10 days.
Although the mayor lamented that his silence about the issue was misinterpreted, Cariño said the order was never too late as long as Bautista is firm in putting a stop to the operation of the illegal number’s game.
He said the public would have to wait for the next 10 days and see the efforts done to curb jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling.
It was Cariño who said that jueteng would not thrive in any local government if the governor or the mayor and the chief of police are resolved in not allowing even a guerilla-type operation.
In an open letter, Bautista also challenged the City Council and the media to identify those behind jueteng. He said those involved, including City Government officials, would be prosecuted.
In the meantime, City Police Director Moises Guevarra already ordered police station heads to arrest bet collectors or even operators. He said that if in 10 days, jueteng continues to operate, station chiefs would be relieved.
Guevarra also appealed to barangay officials to share in the responsibility of stopping jueteng by reporting to the police incidence of collection and conduct of draws.(Rimaliza Opiña)
