AFTER 2-MONTH LULL

LINGAYEN—Jai-alai is back with a vengeance all over Pangasinan after a lull of just two months following a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the 6th Division of the Court of Appeals.

 

This was confirmed by Senior Superintendent Rosueto Ricaforte, police provincial director, who said law enforcement authorities in Pangasinan cannot do anything to stop the jai-alai betting operations with the issued TRO.

 

Jai-alai off-fronton betting stations were closed two months ago following a nationwide crackdown launched by the Department of Justice and the Department of Interior and Local Government.

 

The two agencies have yet to issue a statement on the TRO.

 

Speaking before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last September 5, Ricaforte said the order from the police headquarters in Manila is to go after the illegal numbers game jueteng, not jai-alai.

 

When the jai-alai betting stations were temporarily closed, evidence came to light in several towns showing that the jai-alai operations were merely being used as a front for jueteng.

 

With the TRO, Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC), reportedly owned by Charlie Atong Ang, reopened its off-fronton betting stations in 41 towns and cities in Pangasinan.

 

Questioned by Sixth District Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr., Ricaforte asserted there is no more jueteng in the province as the collectors and cabos for the illegal numbers game are now employed by MVGC.

 

Bince refused to believe Ricaforte’s claim, a position that was echoed by Fourth District Board Member Jeremy Rosario.

 

Rosario said the best evidence that it is jueteng, not jai- alai, that is being operated in Pangasinan is the fact that the winning numbers vary from one town to another.

 

The jai-alai off-fronton betting stations are supposed to reflect only one winning number based on the actual jai alai game played in Cagayan.

Ricaforte pledged that the police will look into reports that jai-alai is a front for jueteng.

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