A total of 172 cockfighting enthusiasts and other individuals were apprehended by the Manila Police District (MPD) and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group National Capital Region (CIDG NCR) on Tuesday, March 24, for engaging in e-sabong.
According to the authorities, they received a tip regarding online cockfighting operations inside a cockfighting stadium in Barangay 163, Vitas, Tondo, prompting them to launch the raid.
The police said 130 of the arrested individuals were found to be bettors and released after the authorities took their personal information and statements.
Meanwhile, 40 management officials, cockfight referees, information technology (IT) specialists, tellers, and cameramen were taken into police custody and are now facing charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law; PD No. 1602, which prescribes stiffer penalties for illegal gambling; and Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Law.
Raiding officers also recovered 45 computer sets and three tripod cameras from the held suspects.
The police said they are still investigating the suspects, as the illegal cockfighting matches are being broadcast on a local website as part of a bigger illegal operation.