7 bet collectors for illegal small town lottery nabbed in Quezon

LUCENA CITY –– At least seven suspected bet collectors of an illegal operation of small town lottery (STL) or “bookies,” were arrested in police operations in Tayabas City, Mauban and Sariaya towns in Quezon province on Tuesday, police said Wednesday.

Arrested around 5:15 p.m. while collecting bets in Barangay Bagong Bayan in Mauban were Joel Sardea, Mary Grace Samodio, Geovanni Morcilla, Michelle Magtibay, and Joviline Nilooban, said a report of Colonel Ramil Montilla, Quezon police director.

Seized from the suspects were STL bet collection forms, paraphernalia, and money bets.

In Sariaya, police arrested Rica Cuenza while illegally collecting STL bets in Barangay Guis-Guis at 11:20 a.m.

In Tayabas City, authorities also collared Mervin Balane as they collected bets in Barangay San Diego Zone 1 at 12:15 p.m.

Police said the suspects failed to produce legitimate identification cards issued by Pirouette Gaming Corp., the licensed STL operator in the province.

The suspects were charged with violation of Republic Act 9287 (An Act Increasing The Penalties for Illegal Numbers Game, Amending Certain Provision of Presidential Act 1602 and for Other Purposes).

The bookies no longer conduct draws but are just adopting the winning combination of the legal STL.