‘Jueteng alive in Bulacan’

Although the figures listed in reports are relatively small, the recent arrests made by the local police on bet collectors and cabos of the illegal numbers game in the province shows that it has been going on despite the campaign of the government.

For two days since last Sunday, raids conducted in the towns of Baliuag and San Jose Del Monte have resulted in the arrest of five jueteng bet collectors and cabos and the confiscation of around P3,000 in bet money. Those arrested in Baliuag town squealed the name of a certain Boy Viceo, but it was not clarified whether he is the same person who is the incumbent mayor of San Rafael town, and another Abet Viceo. However, even if jueteng personnel point fingers to their alleged operators, none of the so called "big fishes" have been formally charged in court. Their illegal operations continue and they run around the province scot-free.

Some sources said that the government’s drive against the illegal numbers game is nothing but a big joke. Arrested jueteng personnel stay in jail for only a few hours and resume operations the next day.

"Madali naming ayusin kapag iyang ‘jueteng’ ang kaso. Dahil mismong mga bangka (financers) ang umaayos," a source who refused to be identified, said.

While the operators and local police play "cat and mouse," jueteng continues to thrive.

Senior Superintendent Felizardo Serapio told The STAR that the ultimate solution to the jueteng problem is demand reduction and alternative livelihood for bet collectors and cabos. – James Maranghaya