Jai-alai firm files raps vs raiding cops

A gaming firm based in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport on Wednesday filed administrative charges against policemen who raided the firm’s betting stations last week.

In a complaint filed with the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Meridien Vista Gaming Corp. (MVGC) officer in charge Joessie Mullon accused National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Supt. Alan Purisima, police intelligence unit chief Senior Supt. Conrado Capa and eight other policemen of misconduct, dishonesty and oppression.

Mullon charged that on June 2 and 6, the policemen from the NCRPO “unlawfully” raided MVGC betting stations in Pateros, Taguig and Parañaque cities and “illegally” arrested 14 employees despite the firm being engaged in legitimate gaming operations under its jai-alai franchise.

The raiding team allegedly seized documents and equipment that MVGC was using in its operations, including P100,000 in cash and the employees’ belongings.

MVGC said the policemen accused the firm of using its license as a cover to operate the illegal numbers game “jueteng” in Metro Manila and several Luzon provinces.

Mullon cited Republic Act No. 7922 (Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995) which authorizes the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority to grant licenses to private firms to hold jai-alai games in the freeport located in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

He said that as a licensee, MVGC is allowed to set up betting stations and collect bets anywhere in the country.

In his complaint, Mullon said the raids and the filing of criminal charges against MVGC personnel were done by the policemen after the gaming firm refused alleged demands for protection money.

Raul Banderas, MVGC spokesperson, said the policemen had ask for P300,000 weekly from MVGC, which management refused to give.

Reached by phone, Purisima said he was not familiar with the case and could not comment until he had seen the complaint.

He said gambling raids were generally small operations and would not be brought up to the level of the regional director.

“That’s probably just at the precinct level,” he said. Inquirer Northern Luzon; DJ Yap and Tina G. Santos in Manila