Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao has received a death threat after her directive to the local police to stop the operation of an illegal numbers game called “Peryahan ng Bayan” in the province.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) sought her help to stop the illicit operation in July.
“I received a threat last July because of this illegal gambling activity,” she said in an interview on Wednesday, adding that it could have been sent by someone behind the illegal numbers game.
The matter has been referred to the Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) for investigation.
“Peryahan ng Bayan” is similar to the small-town lottery with bet collectors going around and winning numbers are drawn. The bet ranges from PHP5 to PHP20.
Cadiao is worried because the illegal game, which has been on guerilla type of operation for almost three months, has been victimizing poor Antiqueños, who could barely make ends meet.
“What concerns me is that the Antiqueños who are already poor and whose livelihood already being affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) would still be victimized to bet their last money hoping to win the prize,” she said.
APPO Director Col.Roy Parena vowed to do their best to end the illegal numbers game.
The province’s 18 municipal police stations have been ordered to go after those involved in the betting game.
Source: Philippines News Agency
