NBI ordered to file report on jai alai crackdown

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and government prosecutors to submit regular reports on government’s crackdown on jai alai betting operations being run by Charlie “Atong” Ang’s Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. (MVGC) outside the Cagayan free port (CEZA).

“Now that the guidelines are there, we see no reason for our law enforcers to be hesitant in implementing the law,” she told reporters.

De Lima also welcomed the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Court of Appeals (CA) against an order of an Aparri, Cagayan regional trial court (RTC) that barred the Games and Amusement Board from enforcing its cease and desist order issued last April against all jai alai operations of MVGC.

“This legal victory is complementary to our campaign. But we need bold moves to address this problem of illegal gambling,” she stressed.