Jueteng full blast in summer capital

BAGUIO CITY – Jueteng, the illegal numbers game has once again reared its ugly head in this summer capital with kuibradors (bet collectors) openly getting bets even right at city hall, sources said.

Jueteng operators have reportedly gone ”guerilla”  the past months following the killing of an alleged jueteng operator and his companions in a car ambush in Atimonan, Rizal allegedly by police officers.

            

This has brought intense media coverage that jueteng operators and their “protectors” in government have reportedly lain low for sometime.

According to sources, operators here have gone tired of the scheme since bet collections were low, they opted to go high profile and now, winning bets are “decided” with low wagers made to win.

Now kubradors are reportedly soliciting bets anywhere --  jeep stations, sidewalks, restaurants and the public market where even winning numbers are posted in inconspicuous areas.

            

Sources said some officials have reportedly been approached already by operators so they could go on with the illegal numbers game unhampered which resumed full operations last week.

            

This, after mayor Mauricio Domogan issued two weeks ago an order city police to stop all forms of illegal gambling here including those in the guise of fund-raising activities like the Bingo sa Barangay run by barangay officials.

             

During a department heads’ meeting earlier, the mayor told city police to implement city council resolution 188 series of 2013 carrying said order.

            

Domogan told officials the resolution took precedence over any barangay resolution justifying conduct of said bingo operations.

            

City police director Jesus Cambay earlier said they did not close the Bingo sa Barangay operation along Kayang St. at the city market as the barangay showed its resolution justifying bingo operations.

            

But Domogan said the city ordinance must be enforced as barangay resolutions cannot amend city laws and directives.

            

The mayor said bingo operations, although declared legal by the courts must be subject to regulations by the local government to ensure only harmless bingo games are played.

            

The city council recently approved the resolution asking closure of illegal gambling operations in Kayang and Rizal Park with proponent councilor Leandro Yangot noting many such activities use the fund-raising ploy..

            

On jueteng, police didn’t issue a press statement on the matter as of press time. -- AD