PCSO and PNP to set up illegal gambling taskforce

Thursday 2nd of February 2017

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is in talks with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to step up a task force aimed at tackling illegal gambling, local media reports.

PCSO Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz on Tuesday made the announcement during the launch of the expanded small town lottery in Mandaluyong City, according to a report from the Inquirer.

PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan said the PCSO has been holding a number of workshops and talks with the PNP and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group with the aim to tackle illegal gambling.

“After our workshop, PCSO will tell which areas have illegal gambling or have problems,” said PNP deputy director general Ramon Apolinario.

Balutan added the recent move to expand STL - a way to battle illegal numbers games in the Philippines, has been in response to President Duterte’s marching orders to stamp out illegal gambling.

“We can’t do this alone, but with the help of our partners, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the local government units (LGUs), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), among others, plus the people’s support of the Small Town Lottery (STL), and their vigilance,” he said.

“To all illegal gambling operators, your minions and protectors, your days are numbered. I’m warning you, you can run but you cannot hide. Go legal or else we will arrest you, and file appropriate charges against you,” he added.

Lottery Crackdown Illegal Gambling Task force