Jueteng back in Batangas

TANAUAN CITY , Philippines – The illegal numbers game jueteng still exists in Batangas after authorities arrested three bet collectors in separate operations here Thursday morning, police said.

Senior Superintendent Alberto Supapo, Batangas police director identified the suspects as Mercelita Perez, 18, of Barangay Poblacion 7; Arcangel Torres, 46, of TM Kalaw street, Poblacion 5; and Nazario Perez, 55, of Barangay Sambat all in Tanauan City.

Supapo said the suspects were arrested while collecting bets in their respective and neighboring barangays by elements of the Anti-Illegal Gambling Task Force of the Batangas Police Provincial Office led by Superintendent Nilo Maitim.

Police recovered 21 pieces of STL lastillas, three booklets of STL collection form, P589 in cash collection and several paraphernalias.

Supapo said the suspects were detained at Tanauan police station while charges of violation of RA 9287 (bookies) is set to be filed against them.  

“We’re still verifying the jueteng operator’s identity, ayaw kasi magsalita ng mga nahuli naming mga kubrador kung kanino sila nagtratrabaho,” Supapo said.

He said the arrested bet collectors insist that they operate under small town lottery – “but still, they have to prove that to the court” he said.

Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto maintained her position that she will not allow the operation of jueteng in the province and ordered the Philippine National Police to arrest violators, especially those conducting “guerilla” operation.