Lottery outlets burned

CEBU, Philippines — Two Small Town Lottery (STL) outlets were burned by still unidentified perpetrators around 2 a.m. last Friday in Barangay Macaas, Catmon, Cebu.

Police Master Sergeant Junrey Frias, chief investigator of the Catmon Police Station, who responded to the alarm, said a passerby noticed one of the outlets already burning and called for help from residents nearby.

"Naa may witness niagi anang mga orasa kuno, kakita siya nga nagdilaab na mao nga nihunong siya ug nanawag sa mga tawo nga namuyo duol, ilang gitabangan sa pagpatay ang kayo,” Frias said.

Both outlets were about 200 meters apart. Police believe the perpetrator poured gasoline and set fire to one outlet before proceeding to do the same to the second outlet. Police said the outlets were owned by different individuals.

Police said while it might seem the motive behind the crime was anger at the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte to shut down Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office operations, including, STL, they said the crime was committed before the announcement came out Friday night.

Duterte ordered the closure of all gaming activities of the PCSO because of the alleged massive corruption in the agency.

Frias said that they have doubt the crime was related to the announcement of the president.

“Ang among nahibudngan ngano man nga pag-pronounce ra, naa may sunog nga nahitabo. Actually ang among interpretation sa among investigation murag makaduda ba nga ang duha ka complainant nagdungan man og report ngadto,” Frias said.

The incident is still under investigation. — David E. Mesias (FREEMAN)