2 suspected ‘bookies’ bet collectors busted in Quezon

LUCENA CITY –– Two suspected bet collectors of the illegal operation of the government-run Small Town Lottery (STL) or “bookies,” were arrested in police operations in Lucena City and Tiaong town in Quezon province on Friday, police said.

Arjay Villones, 23, was arrested while collecting money bet from an undercover police officer in Barangay Marketview in Lucena City on Friday around 9:30 p.m., Colonel Audie Madrideo, Quezon police director, said in a report.

Anti-illegal gambling operatives also collared Ruben Bisco, 32, while gathering cash bets in Barangay Cabay around 1:10 p.m.

Authorities confiscated several “lastillas” or bet collection lists and bet money in different denominations from the suspects.

Police said the suspects failed to produce legitimate identification cards issued by Pirouette Gaming Corp., the licensed STL operator in the province, which indicates they were engaged in “bookies” operation.

Madrideo ordered policemen in the province to stop the rampant illegal STL operations in adherence to President Duterte’s order to get rid of unlawful gambling.

“Bookies” are illegal STL operations that maintain unauthorized betting stations in remote areas to avoid detection by authorities./lzb