POLICE URGED TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL NUMBERS GAME IN QC

RESIDENTS have called on the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to take decisive action against individuals allegedly involved in the widespread operation of illegal numbers game in the city.

In a formal complaint, residents have exposed the alleged illegal activities of which they claimed continues to operate without a permit from the city hall.

Copies of the letter were sent to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO,) Malacañang, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

The concerned residents expressed alarm over reports that the group has been recruiting minors, including their children, to serve as “bet collectors” for the illicit operation.

“Our concern is for the welfare of our children,” the complainants wrote.

“We know the police will arrest them since those running the group cannot show any permit or proof that their operations are legal,” they added.

The complainants said the proper operation of the Small Town Lottery (STL) under the PCSO requires valid permits, proper identification cards, official uniforms, designated routes, and an authorized draw court supervised by PCSO personnel.

Complainants said the group allegedly  ignored key legal requirements to operate, including a city council resolution, and even allows minors to place bets, a clear violation of the law.

The complainants further noted that legitimate STL operations allocate a portion of their proceeds to assist indigent individuals through PCSO programs. 

“What the group is doing is not legitimate because they do not contribute any funds to help the poor,” the complainants said.