Albayalde warns of ‘jueteng’ resurgence as STL operates again

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER.net file photo / Consuelo Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde warned on Friday the possible resurgence of illegal numbers game or “jueteng” after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the suspension of Small Town Lottery (STL) operations.

“Of course, baka meron din magtake-advantage na naman diyan, gawing or magkaroon ng (some may take advantage of it and establish) jueteng-type operations,” told reporters in a chance interview at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

(Of course, some may take advantage of it and establish jueteng-type operations.)

Albayalde, however, clarified the PNP respects the decision of the President to lift the suspension of STL operations as Malacañang also provided certain conditions that should be met by its operators.

READ: Duterte lifts STL suspension

In confirming that the suspension of STL operations has been lifted, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: “Those compliant franchise holders will have to give three months’ deposit, those noncompliant will have to pay their arrears. There will be a waiver from suits. Franchise holders cannot sue.”

While the STL operations can now continue, Albayalde reiterated that his order to his subordinates to go after illegal gambling stays the same.

“Standing ang directive natin sa mga iba’t ibang mga line units natin sa mga iba’t ibang mga regions to go after illegal gambling [Our directive to different line units in different regions to go after illegal gambling still stands],” he said.

To recall, Duterte ordered on July 26 that all gaming operations of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) be stopped in view of alleged “massive corruption” in the agency.

Before lifting the suspension on operations of STL, Duterte had also ordered the return of Lotto./jpv