Ferro reminds cops of “no-take” policy

CEBU, Philippines —  As small town lottery resumes operations today, Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Allbert Ignatius Ferro has reminded all police personnel in the region of his “no-take” policy.

Ferro said only authorized STL outlets are allowed to operate and warned the illegal operators of possible arrest and charges for illegal gambling.

“Only the legal STL operators will be allowed to do the STL operations, they will be arrested on our operation against anti-illegal gambling,” Ferro said.

The top police official in the region has directed all city and provincial police directors to ask for legal documents from all STL outlets operating in their respective area.

“We will be checking their franchise, business permits and other documents...kung naa mi makit-an nga booth nga dili ilaha sa legal dakpon namo na diretso,” said Ferro.

He also warned all police officers that they will be dealt with accordingly if found to be on the take from illegal STL operators.

“During my assumption, I issued the no-take policy. Since the beginning, the no-take policy was in effect. We are very consistent on that,” said Ferro.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday issued an advisory, giving green light to STL operators in Cebu to resume operations.

STL operations were suspended in March due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

All STL outlets were mandated to follow health and safety protocols. There are close to 5,000 STL outlets in Cebu—200 in Mandaue City; Lapu-Lapu City (200), City of Naga (2,500) and Cebu City (2,000). — FPL (FREEMAN)