OPERATIVES of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) and the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) arrested 17 persons in Cebu Province for their alleged involvement in the unauthorized numbers game swertres between October 1 and October 15, 2022.
The suspected ushers were identified as Esmeraldo Pepino, Jobert Villamor Quebido, both residents of Boljoon; Jeseca Cabilla, Jhenniely Gortido, Marlie Ocañada, Mary Grace Abaquita, Sherly Ytang, all residents of Talisay City; Jean Benlot, a resident of Samboan; Jessie Monares Polloso, a resident of Tabuelan; Elmero Rodrigo Condes, a resident of Daanbantayan; Laurome Naval Solomon, a resident of City of Naga; Alberto Donan Cañete, a resident of Barili; Mark Anthony Veloso, a resident of Medellin; Mark Jhonnel Panugalon, a resident of Asturias;
Jennifer Quijas Lapiña, Noel Roncesvalles and Jericho Labitad Algaba, all residents of Carcar City.
According to the data provided by the CPPO, a total of P2,938 in cash believed to be bets were also seized during the two-week period.
The suspected ushers will be charged with violating Republic Act 9287, or “an act increasing the penalties for illegal numbers game.”
In Tabuelan, Mayor Raul Gerona ordered the town’s chief of police to go after all operators of swertres.
However, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said this would affect authorized small town lottery (STL) agents in the town.
Saturn Gaming N’ Amusement Corporation is the STL authorized agent corporation operating with the franchise license granted by PCSO in Cebu Province.
The PCSO reminded the mayor that authorized swertres is legal, saying proceeds go to charity and other social welfare programs and are exempted from tax. (AYB / BBT)