CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – An underground e-sabong operation allegedly catering to bettors as far as Mexico, Vietnam, and Cambodia was uncovered by the Philippine National Police in Pandi, Bulacan, following a police raid on Nov. 5.
The suspected illegal gambling hub reportedly used sophisticated livestreaming equipment and computer systems to broadcast cockfights and facilitate online betting beyond Philippine borders.
Joint police units, led by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Regional Intelligence Division 3, raided the property at around through Search Warrant No. 154-M-2026 issued by Judge Reuben Ritzuko T. Veradio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 104 in Malolos City, Bulacan.
Inside the premises, police discovered two separate studios where cockfights were allegedly being staged and livestreamed. Computer systems and electronic equipment believed to support the online betting operation were also found.
Nineteen suspects were arrested during the operations.
Authorities are investigating the reported international reach of the underground operation, particularly its alleged connections to online gambling activities involving Mexico, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Among the confiscated items were desktop computers, monitors, professional video cameras, pan-tilt-zoom cameras, camera controllers, audio mixers, microphones, networking devices, a mobile phone and assorted electronic accessories. Four live fighting cocks were also recovered. Nineteen suspects were arrested during the operations.
Authorities said cases for violations of Presidential Decree No. 449 (Cockfighting Law of 1974), in relation to Executive Order No. 9, Series of 2022, and Section 6 of RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012) would be filed against the 19 suspects, along with the facility’s alleged owner and supervisor, who were not present during the operation.
PRO-3 director BGen. Jess B. Mendez said the operation supports the directive of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to intensify law enforcement efforts against illegal gambling and other criminal activities.
“The use of technology does not exempt anyone from the law. We will continue to intensify our operations against illegal online gambling and hold those responsible accountable,” Mendez said. PRO-3/Punto News Team
