Is jueteng back in Nueva Ecija?

CABANATUAN CITY — Jueteng has reportedly resurfaced in most cities and towns in Nueva Ecija, despite official police denials that there was indeed a resurgence of the illegal numbers game.

Sources claimed that after a year-long absence, jueteng is back in the province with daily draws held in this city, in the cities of San Jose, Muñoz and Palayan and in the towns of Sta. Rosa, Zaragoza, San Leonardo, Jaen, San Isidro and Cabiao.

A former town official, however, denied that jueteng exists in Jaen town.

The STAR is still verifying reports that jueteng has resumed in the northern towns, the bailiwick of the Josons.

Jueteng draws were reportedly drawn in Barangay Cruz Roja in the outskirts of the city to avoid police detection. In Sta. Rosa town, jueteng was allegedly active in Barangay La Fuente.

In Cabiao town, bet collectors were seen taking bets openly in all of the 23 barangays, according to sources.

"Malapit na kasi ang eleksyon kaya namamayagpag na naman ang jueteng (The elections are fast approaching that’s why jueteng is flourishing)," a civic leader told The STAR.

Jueteng operations resumed in Nueva Ecija shortly after President Arroyo left for a week-long official mission to Spain and Italy. Last year, operators tried to resume operations but failed.

At least 20,000 jueteng cobradors and bet collectors reportedly lost their livelihood when jueteng was stopped in the province.

According to reports, jueteng operations are still experimental in nature since financiers are trying to lure back bettors.

The STAR tried to contact Senior Superintendent Alex Paul Monteagudo, provincial police director, but he would not return calls. Most police officials, however, deny the reports, contradicting those reported by concerned citizens.

Meanwhile, another source who requested anonymity told The STAR that certain police officers have been approaching church officials, convincing them to sign certifications that jueteng does not exist in their localities.

He said those being approached by police officers are young priests who are now knowledgeable about the operations of the illegal numbers game.