By Jennifer P. Rendon
After nearly five months, Iloilo province now has a new Small Town Lottery (STL) operator.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 confirmed that Eagle Roar Gaming Corp., the new sole Authorized Agent Corporation (AAC) operating in Iloilo, has started operations.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said he also met with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles in Kalibo, Aklan, on Friday, July 26.
“I gave my commitment to fully support the STL legal operator,” he said.
Since the previous ACC, 7 Aces Games and Amusement Corporation, stopped operating on Feb. 29, 2024, Wanky admitted that some financiers attempted guerilla operations.
“But with the existence of the legal operator, we can lessen or eradicate illegal gambling,” he said.
Bookies or illicit operators had taken advantage of the lull in STL operations to conduct guerilla activities.
However, Wanky assured that police efforts to arrest those involved in bookies operations have been ongoing.
PRO-6 records showed that 106 anti-illegal gambling operations were conducted across the region from July 1 to 27.
These operations led to the arrest of 317 individuals and the confiscation of around P73,000 in bet money.
Meanwhile, Wanky said Eagle Roar claimed they will use an electronic system for collecting bets and drawing winning numbers.
“They wouldn’t be using cotejos anymore. They would automatically print your number combination. So, most likely, the traditional or manual way will be illegal,” Wanky said.
An information drive is being conducted about the new way Eagle Roar will operate.
