Domogan: I didn’t authorize operations: ‘Boy Rusco’ tagged jueteng operator in Baguio, Benguet

BAGUIO CITY – Jueteng bet collectors are openly defying an order of Mayor Mauricio Domogan to stop rampant operations here even as the illegal numbers game has gone full-blast in the nearby Benguet towns of La Trinidad, Tublay, Itogon and Tuba.

Domogan earlier ordered stepped-up campaign against jueteng operations following resurgence of the illegal numbers game in the city saying he never authorized these.

A certain alias Boy Rusco was reportedly behind the renewed jueteng operations where collections are done in the city while draws are conducted in La Trinidad.

Domogan had issued a memorandum to city police director David Lacdan, Department of Interior and Local Government Director Evelyn Trinidad and Public Order and Safety Division chief Fernando Moyaen to intensify campaign to curb the illegal numbers game.

But still, according to informants, those involved in jueteng are just laughing this out even if some kubradors were reportedly caught by police, charged and bailed out.

Domogan said he “never authorized the operation of jueteng in the city and is steadfast in my decision not to allow the same to proliferate.’

He also directed Task Force Jupiter to submit to his office reports relative to the results of anti-gambling operations being conducted to stop illegal gambling activities.

“Please be reminded of our previous agreement that station commanders will be relieved from their current positions once it will be confirmed that jueteng collections and draws are being done within your areas of jurisdiction,” he said.

The mayor also reminded residents to report illegal gambling operations being done within the city to enable authorities to take proper action and apprehend those involved.

Currently, there were eight apprehensions of violations of Presidential Decree No. 1602 or illegal gambling in the city as per records of the City Prosecutor’s Office.

All have been filed in court.