MANILA, Philippines - At least 172 individuals were arrested when elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided an illegal online cockfighting (e-sabong) operation in Vitas Coliseum in Tondo Manila on Tuesday (March 24) night.
During the operation, bettors, management personnel, gaffers and bet takers were apprehended along with several pieces of evidence including 45 sets of computers, three tripod cameras, and cockfighting hens all strongly suggesting the existence of the illegal e-sabong operations.
Of the 172, 132 were released to their families awaiting word from the CIDG’s legal department if they would also be included in the charges. Remaining suspects are currently detained and undergoing inquest proceedings at the Manila Police District.
The suspects are set to face charges for violation of PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling) in relation to RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012).
E-sabong is prohibited in the Philippines primarily due to severe social ills such as rising gambling addiction, mounting debt, and unsolved criminal cases such as the controversial disappearance of cockfight enthusiasts linking fugitive gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang as the mastermind.
The ban, initially ordered by former President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2022 and continued under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
