The Philippines has been shocked by the murder of a young girl. Rizia Mae Perdillo, 24, was working as a small-time lotteries (STL), vendor in Cotabato City. She was about to start her shift when she was shot in the head. These are the suspects, who are criminal gangs that run illegal lottery operations.
STLs are legal lotto booths that provide legal lottery gaming services to local residents. Local gangs have begun to hate STLs because they believe that STLs are undermining illegal gambling operations.
Unfortunately, the pressure on STL vendors has not changed. Numerous people who work in this sector report being threatened by gangs on numerous occasions. Locals believe that Ycot was killed by a gang member, as her assailant didn’t steal anything. This crime was likely to make other STLs quit their businesses.
Although local gangs may have not previously murdered STL vendors in order to prove their point, it appears that illegal operators in the Philippines now are ready to do whatever is necessary to keep them in power.
The Police will be able to investigate if lotteries are stopped
Bruce Matabalao is now the mayor of Cotabato City and has ordered the temporary suspension of all lotteries within the city, several weeks following Ycot’s death. Officials in Cotabato City are worried about the safety of STL vendors following the recent murder.
Querubin Manalang (director of the city police) asked Matabalao for permission to stop STL operations in the area. Matabalao ordered that all persons selling lottery tickets, no matter if they were allowed to do so, be arrested.
Until officials come up with a plan and investigate the murder of Ycot, lottery operations will be shut down. Manalang, the person who suggested the measure, stated that the temporary suspension of operations would allow his team the time they need to complete their job.
Other recent developments
The latest news is that the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) sector was recently the subject of public criticism. A survey found that most Filipinos think POGOs are bad for society and the economy, and encourage a sinful lifestyle.
The PAGCOR, which regulates gambling in the country ended its contract to an allegedly fraudulent auditoring firm. Global ComRCI had submitted fake documents to PAGCOR as part of its application to become third-party auditor.
The regulator will continue to audit POGOs until it finds a partner.
