PNP to continue campaign vs jueteng, masiao

MANILA, Philippines — There will be no letup in the campaign against  illegal numbers games, including jueteng, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said the police would continue to enforce laws against jueteng, masiao and Last 2 as provided under the law even though President Duterte stated that he would leave jueteng operations in the meantime.

In a speech before local officials last week, the President said jueteng is a “lesser evil” compared to illegal drugs.   

Duterte said jueteng also ensures “commercial activity,” particularly in the provinces.

 “Whoever you install as president, for as long as the economy does not really provide food on the table for so many families... Just let it be. At least the money is there,” Duterte said.

The President expressed concern that illegal drugs would thrive if the illegal numbers game is eradicated.

“If I dismantle it, its apparatus will be replaced with drugs. So choose between the lesser evil,” Duterte said.

The President had earlier said the government should provide livelihood for those who would be displaced in the crackdown against jueteng.

Duterte also noted that the network of jueteng operators is “the most successful.”

Banac said the PNP “submits to the wisdom” of the President in his preference for jueteng compared to illegal drugs as a means of livelihood of the poorest of the poor.

He said it was also observed that when the police went all out against jueteng, displaced operators resorted to illegal drugs, which they found more profitable.

However, Banac said the PNP could not afford to be remiss in its duty to enforce the law not only against illegal gambling but also illegal drugs.

He said the police would continue to support regulated numbers games of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office through the small town lottery as an alternative to jueteng.   – With Alexis Romero