City of Cotabato Suspends Lottery Sales Following Recent Homicide
Fresh Take:
Manila's dark side is making headlines again. Rizia Mae Pardillo Ycot, a young lottery vendor, was brutally gunned down in Cotabato City, Philippines, leaving the city in shock. The perpetrator, believed to be a member of a hostile criminal gang, shot Ycot while she was on duty at an STL booth.
STLs, or Small-Time Lotteries, are legal lottery outlets offering a taste of gambling to local residents. Unfortunately, these booths often attract the wrath of criminal gangs running illicit gambling operations, seeing them as a threat to their business.
This horrific act is yet another mark in a long line of threats against STL vendors. Many have spoken out about being threatened by these gangs, but Ycot's murder marks an escalation in their tactics.
While gangs have historically avoided murder to underscore their dominance, it appears that the illegal operators in the Philippines are now willing to go to any lengths to maintain their power.
Suspending Lotteries for Investigation
Following the unfortunate incident, Mayor Bruce Matabalao of Cotabato City has ordered a halt to all lottery operations within the city. This decision comes after Querubin Manalang, the city police director, urged Matabalao to take action.
The immediate cessation of STL operations is intended to ensure the safety of vendors and provide the police with the necessary time to conduct a thorough investigation into Ycot's murder. Manalang believes that this temporary pause will allow his team to gather the evidence needed to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Stir in the POGO Sector
In addition to the troubling developments in the STL sector, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry has been subject to harsh criticism lately. A recent survey found that the majority of Filipinos view POGOs as detrimental to both society and the economy, and belief that they encourage an immoral way of life.
Meanwhile, the PAGCOR, a regulatory body overseeing gambling in the country, has cut ties with Global ComRCI, an auditing firm accused of providing false documents during its application process. The PAGCOR is now conducting audits on POGOs independently until it secures a new auditing partner.
- Sadly, the escalating violence against STL vendors has prompted the mayor of Cotabato City to suspend all lottery operations in the city, following the brutal murder of a young lottery vendor.
- The police director of Cotabato City has urged the mayor to take immediate action, believing that the temporary halt in STL operations will provide them with the necessary time to gather evidence and bring the perpetrator to justice.
- Beyond the STL sector, the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry has been under heavy criticism recently, with many Filipinos viewing it as detrimental to both society and the economy, and promoting an immoral way of life.
- In response to accusations of providing false documents during its application process, the PAGCOR, the regulatory body overseeing gambling in the country, has cut ties with Global ComRCI, an auditing firm, and is now conducting audits on POGOs independently until it secures a new auditing partner.
