Despite raids, jueteng persists in Nueva Vizcaya

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Following a series of raids on jueteng dens, which led to the arrest of at least 30 suspected illegal gambling workers, it’s back to business for the illegal lottery in this province.

The illegal numbers game, whose operators are reportedly using the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO)’s Bingo Milyonaryo as their legal front, resumed operation barely two days after law enforcement operatives conducted raids on April 22.

The raids, led by agents from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI central office and the provincial police, resulted to the arrest of at least 30 suspected jueteng workers in this capital and Bagabag towns.

Those arrested, including bet collectors, managed to post bail amounting to P24,000 each for their temporary liberty.

The raids came amid reports that jueteng operators are using Bingo Milyonaryo documents as their legal cover with the alleged permission of its local operators.

“Instead of remitting to PCSO outlets, these collectors submit their collections for jueteng draws, depriving the government of revenues from the legal lottery,” a source said

This modus, reports said, has been ongoing with the alleged backing of some local officials, making the public doubt over the authenticity of the raids being conducted by authorities.

Jueteng’s continued operations here came amid Gov. Ruth Padilla’s order banning all forms of illegal gambling in the province.

Last month, Senior Superintendent Valfrie Tabian, provincial police director, said they arrested at least 13 suspected jueteng workers.