In Talisay City illegal numbers game swertres now rampant

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City is now a haven of the illegal numbers game, called swertres, according to Councilor Raul Cabanero, president of the city’s Association of Barangay Councils.

Cabanero, barangay chairman of Bulacao told The Freeman the illegal numbers game sprung up in his area of responsibility. This time, it is too rampant in full knowledge to the public, competing even with suertres,  the legal numbers game of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

“Klaro man kaayo ni pero hain man ang dakop? Kung makadakop bitaw ang atong kapulisan ug illegalista ato mang pasidunggan sa konseho pero karon wala man. Unsaon taman ni?,” Cabanero told The Freeman over phone interview.

He said all barangay captains in the city are having the same problem which prompted him to call a special session today. Talisay City is composed of 22 barangays. He said his colleagues have been telling him that operators are vulnerable as they allegedly bribe the authorities.

The meeting will be attended by Mayor Johnny de los Reyes, representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), chairman of the Peace and Order council and representative of Licensing Department

Cabanero said they have the power to arrest those personalities involved in illegal numbers game however, there security are at stake knowing that persons behind the illegal activity do have firearms to protect their illegal business. He said they need the help of the police to implement such operation.

“Nagpatawag gyud mi ug special session kay grabe na ka rampant ang illegal swertres sa atong syudad,” Cabanero added. He said not just urban areas experiencing such problem but also the mountain barangays of the city.

Cabanero added that there are operators of illegal numbers game who asked him not to meddle them as they are just doing such for their family. But Cabanero who is known to be frank, told the operator that he is also doing his job and nothing personal.

The ABC president is hopeful that they could get a positive result after convening the concern government agencies. —/RAE (FREEMAN)