Four men were arrested for allegedly engaging in online sabong in Negros Occidental, the Philippine National Police said.
The operation was conducted on July 8, 2026, in Barangay Alicante, E.B. Magalona, by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, in coordination with the E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit.
Police said the suspects are Filipino men aged 29, 36, 38, and 40. Two are residents of E.B. Magalona, while the others are from Himamaylan City and Talisay City.
The suspects were arrested for alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1602, as amended by Republic Act No. 9287, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Authorities recovered from the site 142 live fighting cocks, 106 dead fighting cocks, 156 gaffs, two camera stands, and two television monitors allegedly used in the illegal activity.
Police said the seized items were inventoried in the presence of the suspects and the operating team.
The PNP said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and the provisions of the Anti-Torture Act.
They remain under police custody pending the filing of appropriate charges.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the police force will continue its campaign against illegal gambling activities that use digital platforms.
“The exploitation of digital platforms to facilitate gambling activities prohibited by law will not be tolerated. The PNP will sustain focused operations to ensure that those who engage in such offenses are brought to justice,” Nartatez said.
“Ang matagumpay na operasyon ng Police Regional Office Negros Island Region ay malinaw na patunay na paiigtingin pa ng PNP ang kampanya laban sa online sabong at mahigpit na pananagutin ang sinumang sangkot sa ipinagbabawal na gawaing ito,” he added.
The PNP said the operation reflects continuing intelligence-driven efforts against illegal gambling and technology-enabled offenses that threaten public order and safety.
It added that operations against online sabong and other forms of illegal gambling will continue in coordination with concerned police units and law enforcement partners.