A GROUP of lotto operators in Cagayan de Oro City lamented that many of their members will lose their source of income while their workers will lose their jobs because of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to shutter Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) gaming outlets.
Astrid Bana, president of the Misamis Oriental-Cagayan de Oro Lotto Agents Association (Moclaa), said over the weekend that the President’s order will adversely affect lotto and Small Town Lottery (STL) operators in the city and in the province.
She also said many workers will become jobless.
"We are all surprised. Dako kaayo og epekto kay mawad-an og income ang mga operators ug mawad-an og trabaho ang mga employees," Bana said.
Moclaa is composed of more than 100 lotto agents who are also STL operators as well as around 500 STL operators.
The Northern Mindanao police have begun closing down all lotto outlets following the president's order to suspend all gaming schemes managed by PCSO due to "massive corruption."
Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Director Rafael Santiago directed all commanders to carry out beginning Saturday, July 27 the order to arrest people who continue to engage in gambling activities supervised by PCSO.
In Cagayan de Oro City, all station commanders are also ordered to implement the order and monitor all lotto outlets.
"Kung makita nato karon sirado ang mga lotto outlets kay dili man sila pwede modawat og taya kay wala may dula sa PCSO nga mag-bola," Police Major Evan Vinas, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) said.
Bana said people who seek medical assistance from PCSO will also be affected.
"Definitely maapektuhan gyud kay walay maduolan ang mga tawo," Bana said.
Bana said the group plans to air their concerns in the next few days.
"Definitely we will do something. We cannot just sit down maybe we will write a letter to the president or make representation but for now we will just observe kung unsay development," Bana said.