Muntinlupa declared ‘jueteng-free’

Muntinlupa City was declared "jueteng-free" yesterday, the first city or municipality in Metro Manila to hold the distinction since a renewed campaign against illegal gambling was launched.

Senior Superintendent Erasto Sanchez, Muntinlupa City police chief, said the city has been free of the illegal numbers game for two weeks now.

Sanchez said the feat was accomplished through the support provided by Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and barangay officials.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jose Lina Jr. will certify the city "jueteng-free" next week.

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco earlier vowed to make Metro Manila "jueteng-free" under his term.

Velasco made a surprise visit to Muntinlupa City yesterday to discuss with Sanchez the mechanics employed in ridding the city of illegal gambling.

"He was able to do the job because of his close cooperation with Mayor Fresnedi and barangay officials. If they were able to accomplish this in Muntinlupa City, there’s no reason it can’t be done in other cities of the metropolis," Velasco said in an interview.

The Metro police chief said Parañaque City will also declare itself "jueteng-free" in the next few days.

Velasco has directed the five district directors and the 37 station commanders of the metropolis to clear their areas of jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling.

He said police officials who failed to act against jueteng would be relieved.

Velasco said Sanchez will be awarded a plaque of recognition by Lina next week right after certifying the city jueteng-free.

He also vowed to unmask policemen who are either financiers or protectors of illegal gambling.