02-07-2025
94 individuals arrested over 'scam raffle' event in Tarlac
Nearly 100 individuals were arrested during an alleged illegal raffle event in San Vicente, Tarlac.
According to Jun Veneracion's report on '24 Oras' on Thursday, about 200 cops raided the raffle event that was being live-streamed.
Among those arrested were the financiers of the raffle. The event also did not have a permit from the government.
'Doon sa venue 1,000 mahigit yung tao doon and based on the law on illegal gambling, financiers, bettors, everybody puwedeng makasuhan. Sinegregate lang muna namin yung mas malalaking pasimuno,' said Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group acting director Police Brigadier General Bernard Yang.
(More than 1,000 people were at the venue at that time and based on the law on illegal gambling, financiers, bettors could be charged. We prioritized the big people behind it.)
For only P20 per ticket, one can win P2 million worth of prizes, including a brand new SUV.
But authorities found out that the raffle winners are already predetermined.
'As alleged, wala talagang legitimate winners na na-identify. As alleged, sabi ng mga ibang tumataya, yung mga nanalo it belongs doon sa inner circle, parang luto na ito,' said Yang.
(As alleged, there were really no legitimate winners identified. Other bettors also claimed that the winners were those part of the inner circle.)
The operators of the illegal raffle draw have operated for five years using the 'tambiolo system,' the report said. The draws used to be done monthly in various parts of Luzon.
The arrested suspects are now detained at the Tarlac Provincial Police Office for illegal gambling charges. GMA Integrated News is trying to reach out to them for comment. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News
