MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima today gave the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the go signal to raid jai-alai off-fronton centers operated by controversial businessman Charlie "Atong" Ang.
De Lima made the announcement as she signed a memorandum in response to the Department of Interior and Local Government's query about the legality of the police's raids on jai-alai off-fronton stations owned by the Meridian Vista Gaming Corporation, owned by Ang.
She said that the operation of jai-alai off-fronton outside the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is against Republic Act 954, which prohibits "certain activities in connection with horse races and basque pelota games (jai-alai)."
She said that the jai-alai operation run by Ang's gaming company is only allowed inside CEZA.
De Lima also announced that the policemen who have been charged by Ang's company for raiding its off-fronton stations can continue the raids and pursue the cases previously filed against employees of the gaming company.
She cited that the PNP and the NBI should also look into reports that the jai-alai operation is now being used as a front for the illegal numbers racket, jueteng.
Recently, Bohol Rep. Erico Aumentado called on the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the sprouting off-fronton operations in several provinces around the country.
Aumentado had said in his House Resolution 1179 filed last May that Ang's jai-alai operation should be confined within CEZA. Ang was able to secure a permit from CESA to run jai-alai fronton.
He said he has received reports that Ang's company have opened jai-alai off-fronton stations in the provinces of Pangasinan, Isabela and Oriental Mindoro and other areas in Visayas and Mindanao. - By Angelo L. Gutierrez
