STL operator ambushed

MANILA, Philippines - An operator of the defunct Small Town Lottery (STL) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in southern Luzon was seriously wounded when motorcycle-riding men fired at his vehicle along Maharlika Highway in San Pablo City, Laguna last Friday night, reports reaching the PCSO said.

A PCSO official, who refused to be named, said the victim, Ramon Preza, owner of Ramroid Gaming Corp. which operated STL in Quezon and Laguna, is “now in stable condition.”

Reports said Preza, known as “Don Ramon” among STL operators, was driving his Nissan Navarra pick-up when he was waylaid in Barangay San Vicente, San Pablo City.

Despite wounded, Preza was able to drive himself to the Liwag Medical Clinic in Tiaong, Quezon.

Preza, according to the PCSO official, is among several STL operators who have applied for a permit for the newly launched Loterya ng Bayan, which is expected to kick off in the next two months. – Perseus Echeminada, Ed Amoroso