NBI arrested two suspects for illegal gambling in Negros Occidental and warned STL aficionados to be wary of illegal gambling.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)- Bacolod is currently investigating the alleged fake operations of Small-Town Lottery (STL) in Negros Occidental, the SunStar reported.
Atty. Renoir Baldovino, agent-in-charge of NBI-Bacolod, made the statement after arresting two individuals last week, collecting bets for STL without the franchise from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
He stressed that only Super Lucky Beagler Inc. (SLBI) has the franchise to engage in STL operations, as authorized by the PCSO.
The arrest of the suspects was the result of a raid conducted by the NBI at an establishment inside the Libertad South public market in Bacolod City. NBI stated that the raid was conducted after receiving reports of a fake STL outlet that is offering bigger cash prizes for winning bets.
The two suspects were identified as Reynne Magbanua Lopez and Arjens Arro Esbida who are both residents of Bacolod City. With the verification of the PCSO national office, the NBI found that the suspects were operating without any franchise, or permit from the agency.
Based on the information observed by the NBI, Lopez and Esbida have been operating since last week. Assorted illegal gambling paraphernalia and P1,500 in cash bets is recovered from the suspects by the NBI.
The NBI officials claimed that the illegal gambling outfit is codenamed “Vikings”
The illegal STL operations were found to use the draw results of a legal operator. Baldovino warned STL aficionados to be wary of illegal gambling outfits claiming to be legal operators.
“Your winnings are uncertain with the illegal operation,” he said.
The two suspects are now detained at the NBI custodial facility in Bacolod City.
Tags: #IllegalGambling, #Arrested, #NBI, #STL