Talisay city: Thirty persons were arrested and various digital equipment were seized during a police operation at an illegal online cockfighting (electronic sabong) facility in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office - Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported that operatives led by the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) found the private property in Sitio Catamnan 2, Barangay Concepcion to be functioning as a covert online cockfighting arena. "Live matches were streamed using cameras and digital devices for remote betting operations," the PRO-NIR reported.
The operation, part of the CIDG's campaign against illegal gambling called Oplan Bolilyo, also led to the rescue of two individuals and a minor placed under protective custody. Among the items seized were personal computer sets, laptops, routers, cellular phones, multiple video cameras with tripods, and three Starlink satellite receivers.
The arrested individuals are facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree 1602 (Illegal Gambling) in relation to Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Complaints for trafficking in persons will also be filed against several persons, including a dismissed police officer and other individuals believed to have facilitated or supported the operation.
In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored "the organization's firm stance against illegal gambling and similar activities that undermine law and order." 'Hindi natin hinahayaan na magpatuloy ang ganitong mga gawain. Ang mensahe natin ay malinaw - walang puwang ang ilegal na operasyon (We will not allow such practices to continue. Our message is clear - there is no room for illegal operations). We will persist until these activities are dismantled and those responsible are brought to justice.'
In December 2022, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 9, directing the continued suspension of e-sabong operations nationwide.
