‘Some Metro LGUs using jueteng to raise poll funds’

Some unscrupulous local government officials in Metro Manila have tolerated the resurgence of the illegal numbers game “jueteng” to raise campaign funds for next year’s elections, according to a senior police intelligence official.

The source, who agreed to talk on condition of anonymity, said the Philippine National Police had received information that some individuals claiming to be “collectors” of Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento have been asking for “protection money” from illegal gambling operators.

This prompted Sarmiento to order PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez to look into the reports as he ordered the immediate arrest of those using his name to extort money.

In a statement, Sarmiento said he also directed Marquez to launch intensified antigambling operations “amid reports of increased jueteng activities for fundraising because of the upcoming local and national elections.”

“I will never allow anyone to represent me or my office to extort or demand protection money from jueteng and other vices,” Sarmiento said.

“I intend to keep my good name now and for the rest of my life as a public servant,” he added.

The source said a certain Tony Santos, who previously ran the jueteng operation in Rizal province, was the “most influential” operator of the illegal numbers game in the National Capital Region.

Santos’ operation was reportedly raking in at least P10 million daily, the source added.

“The PNP is trying to do its best to curb jueteng, but our efforts are put to waste because some mayors, vice mayors and even councilors are allowing jueteng to flourish,” the source told the Inquirer.

“Even if a chief of police [is in favor of] jueteng operations in his area of jurisdiction but the mayor does not want it, the gambling lord will not operate in that city,” he added.

Asked why local government officials were turning a blind eye to jueteng operations in their respective areas, the PNP official said: “It’s simple. They want to raise money for their campaign.”

“It’s an open secret,” said the source who used to lead the police operation to stem the illegal numbers game in the Calabarzon region.

He added that a certain Baby Marcelo had been introducing himself as Sarmiento’s “bagman” to Santos and other gambling lords.