BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson told the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to continue its probe on the operation of illegal Small Town Lottery (STL) in Negros Occidental.
The provincial government does not tolerate illegal STL since there is already one legitimate operation under Super Lucky Beaglers Inc., Lacson said.
He supports the NBI’s decision to file illegal gambling charges against Barangay Captain Noli Villarosa of Tangub here and Kabankalan City’s Barangay 5 captain Joel Alibango and Barangay 6 captain Francz Leonard Seguiro.
Lacson also revealed he had a talk with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office – Negros Occidental branch manager Jose Manuel Villagracia regarding the STL operation. He, however, stated some information could n ot be publicized.
Earlier, Atty. Renoir Baldovino, chief of NBI-Bacolod, said they have filed charges against the three village chiefs, as well as a female only identified by her alias “Mam” for violation of Republic Act 9287, which increases penalties for illegal numbers games, amending certain provisions of Presidential Decree 1602.
NBI-Bacolod linked the three village chiefs and Mam to illegal STL operations in Kabankalan City.
On Feb. 15, NBI-Bacolod carried out an entrapment operation in Kabankalan City. Three bet collectors and a bettor were arrested in barangays 5, 6 and 7 and charges were filed against them.
Baldovino said they have enough documentary and testimonial evidences against Villarosa, who denied involvement in illegal STL operations.
Villarosa believes the charges against him are politically motivated.
He challenged officials of the NBI-Bacolod to resign if the illegal gambling charges against him were proven false.
“Kung mapamatud-an ‘bi karon nga wala ko engagement [in the illegal numbers game] ano ang ila liabilities sa akon?” he said.
He added he is ready to resign if the NBI could prove the accusation./PN
