NBI nabs 21 individuals for alleged involvement in jueteng in Batangas

Suspect in handcuffs graphics. INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —  The Provincial Prosecutor of Batangas recommended the filing of charges against 21 individuals for alleged involvement in jueteng, an illegal numbers game.

In a resolution dated April 12, the suspects were arrested by personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Batangas District Office in a building in Barangay Poblacion, Lobo.

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Named in the charge sheet are the suspects Rico Buela Cuasay, Joselito Gayeta Gupo, Mirazon A. Dueñas, Robert L. Dueñas, Carlito S. Lucido, Severo G. Cay, Jefferson G. Macatangay, Rodolfo R. Driz, Iren Briones Cunanan, Sofronio Verdadero Manalo, Gigi llagan Austria, Niño Levi B. Manalo, Nestor Camongol y Cunanan, Jovet Briones, Jayhard C. Gutierrez, Jonel C. Castillo, Feddy A. Castillo, Joshua A. Sulayao, Oscar A. Bibal, Ronnel C. Cruzat, and Alberto C. Buela.

NBI operatives claim to have found jueteng paraphernalia, including small town lottery collection report forms and cash bets, at the location.

The arrested suspects are currently held at the NBI Regional Office in Barangay Marawoy, Lipa City, while waiting for further legal proceedings.

“Finding the warrantless arrest of herein respondents valid, coupled with the evidence at hand, undersigned finds probable cause for Violation of Section 2(f) in relation to Sections 3(b) and 4 of Republic Act No. 9287,” the resolution read.

READ: What gives ‘jueteng’ the edge over STL? Lax enforcement of law, PCSO exec says

“Although the allegations classified herein respondents either as cabo, [ku]brador/collector and tagapagsulong, undersigned finds herein respondents as personnel and staff of illegal numbers game called jueteng,” it added.

“Considering the suspension of STL operation in the Province of Batangas since March 14, 2024, the question of whether or not the respondents are authorized STL personnel is not material. As such, undersigned finds probable cause for Violation of Section 2(f) in relation to Section 3(b) and Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9287,” it further said.

A recommended bail of P48,000 for each respondent was also included in the resolution.

In a separate statement, local business owner Efren Ramirez called for local government officials to take action on what he called the “worsening issue of illegal activities.”

According to Ramirez, the arrest of the 21 individuals and a former councilor operating a mahjong den, along with 15 others, “only underscore the lack of discipline and respect for the law, especially from those who we were supposed to look up to as leaders of our community.”

With that, he urged public officials to “give focus on the peace and order of Lobo.”“We need to address the root cause of gambling and that is poverty,” Ramirez stressed.

He noted that this can be done if the government works hand in hand with the business sector.

“And so instead of burdening legitimate business owners, the local government should help those wanting to do business in our town so that we can continue to provide reliable and dignified livelihood to our citizens,” Ramirez said.“

Those in power should realize that the business owners are not their enemies and there is no reason for them to have a difficult time operating. Rather, our leaders should concentrate on eradicating crime including illegal gambling that has obviously become rampant in the previous days,” he added.

He also said that he, and other merchants, will not stop calling for cooperation among the local officials, police, and communities in stopping the spread of illegal gambling, which was “previously non-existent here in Lobo.”

“The business owners are ready to lend a hand and will continue to join in the unified action to advocate for true peace and prosperity for all the citizens of Lobo,” he said.