Two "masiao collectors" charged

CEBU, Philippines - Two men are facing a complaint before the Provincial Prosecutors office after they were caught by the police officers of Carcar City, Cebu for illegal gambling.

Edison Punes and Rolito Alcuizar of Sitio Tapat, Barangay Guadalupe, are facing charges for the violation of Republic Act 9287 known as An Act Increasing the Penalties for Illegal Numbers Games, which was approved in 2004. A third accused, Erwin Punes, is still at large.

The three, according to the police, were acting as masiao collectors. Masiao is the local term for the illegal numbers game which bases its daily result on Jai-alai games.

The police caught them with the illegal gambling paraphernalia, including 56 tally sheets, four pieces of speed jai alai computer sheets, and a sum of money amounting to P447.

Former president and now Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had ordered all law enforcement units to strictly implement the law against illegal numbers games including "jueteng", "masiao" and "last two digits." 

She signed seven years ago the Republic Act 9287, which condemns the existence of illegal gambling activities such as masiao, as these influence people from valuing “dignified work, perseverance and thrift” in exchange for instant monetary gain.

Other provisions of RA 9287 also include a reward system for those with information about illegal gambling, as well as penalties for parents and guardians of minors who engage in an illicit numbers game.  – THE FREEMAN