Malacañang has ordered a thorough investigation on the disappearances of individuals involved in e-sabong (electronic cockfighting) and likewise directed an inquiry into online sabong licensees for possible violations.
The Palace's order came after the Senate passed a resolution urging President Duterte to suspend licenses or permits of e-sabong operators on March 1.
Data from the Senate showed that 34 persons involved in the activity had been reported missing.
However, the memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on March 8 did not order the suspension of e-sabong, a gambling activity that flourished during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Instead, Malacañang ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a thorough investigation on the disappearances of the sabungeros and submit their findings to the Office of the President (OP) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) within 30 days.
JUST IN: Malacañang gives NBI and PNP 30 days to conduct a thorough investigation on the disappearances of sabungeros in the country; directs PAGCOR to probe e-sabong licensees for possible violations. @manilabulletin pic.twitter.com/PicnXDtxvZ
— Argyll Cyrus Geducos (@argyllcyrus_MB) March 9, 2022
In addition, the Palace directed the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to investigate possible violations of e-sabong operators.
PAGCOR is likewise ordered to "ensure the compliance with the security and surveillance requirements under its Regulatory Framework for E-Sabong Off-Cockpit Betting Station," particularly the installation of security cameras in gaming sites, among others.
Meanwhile, the operation of e-sabong will continue while the investigation is ongoing.
"Unless otherwise directed, the operations of e-sabong licensees shall remain unaffected, pending the result of the above investigations," the memorandum read.
Data from PAGCOR revealed that online cockfighting had been earning at least P640 million from operations since January this year.