Jueteng still on in NL; police chiefs blamed

BAGUIO CITY – Jueteng is going still strong in northern and Central Luzon including this city since local police chiefs are tolerating the illegal numbers game, sources said.

In this city, the game is still being run under the “jai-teng” scheme.” But in nearby La Trinidad, Benguet where draws are reportedly held, kubradors have lain low in soliciting bets from residents since last week.

This, even as a jueteng operator identified only as “Luding” has reportedly started talking to barangay officials in Baguio so they could start a new jueteng scheme called “bingo-teng” wherein the illegal numbers game could be played under the guise of raising funds for barangays.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo earlier reiterated his “one-strike policy” to stop jueteng but still, operators are undaunted in their operations.

According to sources, jueteng wouldn’t operate in areas where local officials and the police don’t give their ‘blessings.”

The PNP policy stipulates that any police chief where jueteng is found in his area of responsibility would be relieved from his post.

In Baguio, sources said jueteng bet collectors are now more discreet in getting bets and submit the money in nearby La Trinidad.

Those accosted by police reportedly said their operations were legal since they are basing winning numbers from Jai Alai, a legal numbers game based at the Special Economic Zone in Cagayan.

But according to bettors, the games are actually jueteng since the numbers which could be wagered on range from one to 37.

Police chief Richard Albon and personnel of the La Trinidad legal office earlier have told Meridien Vista Corp., which releases “results” of the Jai Alai games to stop operations as the permit of the gaming company was not renewed in La Trinidad.

Last week, Meriden reportedly stopped operations but according to locals, draws were being held discreetly.

In Baguio, religious and cause-oriented groups earlier picketed City Hall demanding a stop to illegal gambling which also included Monte, Pusoy and Lucky Nine.

Some city officials and lawyers have been tagged as frequent players of illegal gambling games in dens a few meters from City Hall like those along Palma and Legarda streets.

Anti-gambling groups urged government officials and the police to be more vigilant in stopping illegal gambling saying it “erodes the moral fiber of society.”