The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against illegal online cockfighting operations after four individuals were arrested in a coordinated raid in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental. The operation also led to the closure of a cockfighting arena, carried out in close coordination with municipal and barangay authorities.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports that the Jimenez arena was being used as a base for e-sabong, with betting activity reaching Filipinos even abroad. Police units conducted surveillance operations, including cyber monitoring, to confirm the link between the arena and the online platform before executing the raid on June 26.
The raid resulted in the arrest of four people and the confiscation of several cockfighting paraphernalia.
“Let me reiterate that e-sabong is illegal. This operation serves as a stern warning to those who would dare to violate the law: the Philippine National Police will pursue you,” PGEN Nartatez said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously ordered an indefinite ban on all online cockfighting through Executive Order No. 9 in 2022, citing the State’s duty to protect public health and morals and to ensure public safety and general welfare. The EO prohibits all forms of online, remote, or off-cockpit wagering on live cockfighting matches, as well as broadcasting or livestreaming cockfights outside official arenas.
Despite the ban, several individuals continue to conduct clandestine e-sabong operations. PGEN Nartatez lauded the Misamis Occidental police for their intelligence-led enforcement and stressed the need for continuous monitoring to prevent further illegal operations.
He also directed all police commanders, down to the chiefs of police, to intensify intelligence gathering and ensure their areas remain free from online sabong activities.
“This operation highlights our commitment to uphold the law and protect communities from activities that endanger public order and safety,” PGEN Nartatez added.
The PNP confirmed that it will maintain sustained operations across the country to dismantle remaining illegal e-sabong networks and to ensure full compliance with the President’s directive.