4 nabbed in e-sabong raid in Misamis Occidental; cockfighting arena closed

MANILA, Philippines — Four individuals were arrested in a raid of a site allegedly used for online “sabong” or cockfighting in Misamis Occidental.

The operation also resulted in the closure of the arena, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Saturday.

The move took place on Friday, prompted by an information received by the police that a cockfighting arena in Jimenez was being used as a platform for online cockfighting.

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Several cockfighting paraphernalia were also confiscated.

“Police intelligence units then conducted surveillance operations, and even engaged in cyber patrol to penetrate the online platform where the betting is taking place,” PNP said in a press release.

“It was then that police operative confirmed the connection between the cockfighting arena and the e-sabong operation,” it noted.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez warned the public that online sabong is illegal.

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“Let me reiterate that e-sabong is illegal, and let this operation serve as a stern warning to those who would dare to violate the law that the Philippine National Police will run after you,” Nartatez said in the same press release.

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In line with Executive Order No. 9 issued in December 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the continued ban on online cockfighting operations nationwide.

He said that the directive is in line with the government’s “paramount obligation to protect public health and morals, and promote public safety and general welfare.” /apl

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