By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Illegal gambling operations persist in Capiz despite intensified crackdown efforts by law enforcement agencies, particularly the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Police Major Jun Fomocod, CIDG-Capiz chief, said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian on March 7 that authorities are conducting an all-out campaign against illegal gambling in the province.
“In fact, the crackdown on illegal gambling is one of our five major operational priorities nationwide,” he said.
He denied allegations that authorities are selective in apprehending illegal gambling operators.
“We are not selective in apprehending operators and their workers, as long as they are operating illegally,” he added.
The illegal numbers game, commonly known as Small Town Lottery (STL) bookies, remains rampant across the province.
Police reports indicate that at least four operators are running illegal number games in Capiz.
One financier, identified as Dindo, is reportedly managing operations through Ted, with local managers Rodney and Darren handling activities in Roxas City.
Another operator, known as Noy, is allegedly operating in Panay town.
A police source revealed that “corredores” or bet collectors openly collect wagers in public markets and villages, generating hundreds of pesos daily from bettors.
Meanwhile, a reliable source who requested anonymity identified the illegal gambling coordinators in Panitan town as Pani, while a certain Pedro’s house allegedly serves as the remittance center.
The same source said Pontevedra’s illegal gambling coordinators include Tawi, while Noel operates in Panay town, and Manuel manages operations in Maayon town.
