Cotabato police say investigators looking into reports killing of small-time lottery outlet worker is linked to illegal numbers game operations.
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Cotabato Mayor Bruce Matabalao ordered the immediate halt of Small-Time Lotteries on Monday, March 13, following concerns about threats against local operators in the city.
The mayor’s order was a response to the recommendation of Cotabato City police director Colonel Querubin Manalang. On February 19, a 24-year-old female STL attendant identified as Rizia Mae Pardillo Ycot was killed while attending an STL booth in Malagapas, Barangay Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City.The suspicion was that the threats were either from illegal numbers game operators or extortion groups.
Matabalao directed the police to start a crackdown and arrest anyone who would continue to operate any numbers game, whether illegal or legally registered, based on his order which took effect on Monday.