By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently shut down five “Peryahan ng Bayan” branches last Sunday over allegations of illegal gambling.
According to Atty. Renoir Baldovino, who heads the NBI office in Bacolod City, search warrants were issued against branches in Murcia, EB Magalona, Hinigaran, Himamaylan City, and Victorias City; which resulted in the arrest of 36 collectors and staff.
He noted, in 2014, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) issued a deed of authority to a company in order for them to operate “Peryahan ng Bayan” throughout the province. However, while the deed expired in 2016, operators of the numbers game reportedly continued running.
The 36 arrested may face charges in violation of RA 9287, an amendment to Presidential Decree 1602, which implemented penalties on illegal gambling./DGB, WDJ