THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that it intends to close more “e-sabong” hubs across the country following a major operation against illegal cockfighting in Tondo, Manila.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. called for an intensified crackdown against illegal online cockfighting, noting the operation in a coliseum in Tondo was part of a sustained nationwide campaign targeting organized illegal gambling networks.
“We are intensifying intelligence-driven operations nationwide. This crackdown will continue until these illegal gambling hubs are completely dismantled,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Authorities on Tuesday night raided an alleged 24-hour e-sabong operation at Vista Coliseum in Tondo, resulting in the arrest of more than 170 individuals.
Nartatez said the operation exposed how illegal betting activities continue to operate behind closed doors despite a nationwide ban.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 9 in December 2022, reaffirming the nationwide suspension of e-sabong operations and ordering stricter enforcement against illegal activities.
“Illegal e-sabong is a breeding ground for crime. It leads to financial ruin for families and fuels petty crimes. This destroys the moral fiber of our community,” Nartatez said.
“Apart from gambling, these hubs often involve unregulated crowds and tax evasion. It creates an environment where lawlessness thrives, affecting even those who are not playing,” he added.
The PNP is currently conducting nationwide intelligence mapping to locate e-sabong networks attempting to hide behind physical coliseums or digital screens.
Nartatez lauded the CIDG-National Capital Region and the Manila Police District for the successful operation and warned operators of illegal e-sabong operations to stop their activities.
